As we move from one lab to the next, I apologize for the
delays that have taken place and I want to thank everyone for their extreme
patience. Believe me when I say this was not easy on any of us and that we have felt
your pain.
While the lab moves forward with their new technology, it is
their hope to be running 24 hours a day with the capability of processing 200 samples
every 24 hours. In the
meantime, their goal is to process 100 samples a day. The only way they can do
this is if everything has been properly prepared, meaning that you have
requested and sent the proper paperwork with your samples; sending hair samples that have not
been set up will slow down the process. Ensure that your samples are clean and are of good quality, and if you
are requesting more than one test from a sample, that there is enough sample
available (for more than one test the lab needs approximately 80 follicles).
GUIDELINES FOR
COLLECTING
HAIR ROOT SAMPLES
FOR DNA and SNP
GENOTYPING
Items
you will need:
- Hair Sample Envelope (either the envelope requested from CAA or a blank envelope)
- Application form
- Comb or brush
- Tape
COLLECT
HAIR FROM THE TIP OF THE TAIL (SWITCH). THE ROOT ENDS CONTAIN THE DNA. SAMPLES
ARE TO BE PULLED, NOT CLIPPED.
- Clean the tail switch to remove any foreign material. Comb or brush the tail to remove any dead hair. If necessary, wash clean and rinse with water. Wait for the tail to be completely dry. The sample must be free of urine or manure. Dirty samples will not be processed. Contamination will make the sample unfit for testing.
- Wrap approximately 5 to 10 strands of hair around a finger, about 2 inches away from the skin, and give a sharp pull. Inspect the hair to ensure that the follicles are attached. Hair strands without follicles do not contain DNA and cannot be tested.
- Repeat Step #2 until you have obtained approximately 40 to 50 hair roots (if doing more than one test please secure at least 80 hair roots).
- Place all of the hair roots in the same direction with the long strands pointing straight down. Secure the hairs together with adhesive tape wrapped approximately 1 inch from the follicles. Place the sample in the labelled envelope and immediately seal it to minimize contamination. Hair from only one animal is to be placed in each envelope.
- If doing more than one animal, WASH HANDS before starting on the next animal or use a clean pair of surgical gloves. This will reduce the risk of cross-contamination of the samples.
- Repeat Steps 1 to 4 for each animal.
- Place the completed application form and identified hair sample envelope in a larger envelope addressed to:
Quantum
Genetixs
125
- 15 Innovation Blvd.
SASKATOON,
SK
S7N
2X8
The package may be sent by regular Canada Post mail
service.
Following these steps will avoid delays and allow your samples to be processed immediately when they reach the front of the work queue.
Posted by Stacy Price
Feedback: sprice@cdnangus.ca
