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DNA collection and submission reminders

Posted May 28, 2024

Please keep in mind these few important items when you are collecting and sending in your DNA samples.

A good quality sample is the most important part of your DNA process. Please observe your samples and do a quality check BEFORE sending them to the RAAA office for processing. Any sample that does not meet quality standards will be rejected and not sent to the lab for processing.

  • Hair samples:
    • Make sure you do not cut the hair. The follicles at the root of the hair strand is where the DNA is located — no follicles means nothing for the lab to test
    • All hair samples must be placed on a hair card with the follicles placed under the sticky film. Please ensure you have at least 30 follicles present on the card.
  • Blood samples:
    • Fill the circle on the card to its entirety. Make sure to allow the blood to dry completely before closing the card.
    • DO NOT send blood samples on animals that are twins due to cross contamination while in utero. Hair samples and TSUs samples are recommended to ensure accurate results.
  • TSUs:
    • Make sure there is tissue in the tube, along with the liquid green ball and the red stopper is visible at the top.
    • Do not collect a TSU sample from an area on the ear that is dirty or has been tattooed, non-clean surfaces will contaminate the sample.

A completed and signed order form must accompany all samples that are sent to RAAA along with payment for testing. Failure to send a completed form and payment will delay processing. Find the order form here.