Frequently asked questions

Q: Do I need to draw blood samples for testing?

A: Basically blood, buccal swabs and hair samples provide the same DNA and all of the methods can be used. However, risk of contamination is much higher with buccal swabs because it is quite common that substantial amount of foreign DNA (of bacteria, of canine food, because dogs lick each other) will contaminate the sample. If swabs are stored for a long time after sampling amount of bacterial DNA will increase. We can usually deal with these problems, but risk for re-sampling is higher with buccal swabs than with blood samples.

Some Kennel Clubs do not accept buccal swabs as a sampling method.

If you are using buccal swabs, please, follow the sampling instructions very carefully.

Q: Can I take the sample myself or do I need to consult a vet?

A: Blood sampling requires trained personnel and in some countries only veterinarians or their assistants may take blood samples. So follow the practices of your country. Buccal swab sampling can be easily done by yourself. However, follow the instructions carefully. Pay special attention that the dog has not eaten or licked other dogs for 15 minutes before sampling and brush the cheek carefully that you truly get a cell sample and not only saliva.

Q: Do I need to use tha swabs that you provide us?

A: Our processes are optimised for the swabs that we are using. So we recommend them. However, we accept also other types of swabs.

Q: Do I need to use authorized sampler?

A: We at the laboratory do not require it, but usually Kennel Clubs do not accept test results in official registries unless sampling has been verified by an authorized sampler. So if you are ordering a test, that you want to be registered in some official register, you most likely need an authorized sampler.

Genoscoper never gives any individual test results to Kennel Clubs or to any other third party without dog owners/test orderer's written consent.

Q: How do I pay the test?

A: After we have received your test order and the sample of the dog, we'll send you the invoice by email or by mail, if you haven't given us your email address. In urgent cases you may send us the copy of receipt by email and we will send the results also by email as soon as possible. Please do not send us cheques!

Q: When can I expect my results?

A: Our normal delivery time is within one to two weeks of the receipt of sample and payment. If our delivery time exceeds that, for example for the poor sample quality or technical issues, we will inform you.

Q: Do you give the results to any third parties?

A: Testing is done in strict confidence and results are given only to the dog owner and/or test subscriber. Some tests are routinely recorded by national Kennel Clubs or breed clubs. We deliver information to them only if we have written consent from the dog owner.