Please notify us if you would like any of your samples treated in a special way. It is Genomnz™ standard practice to store all samples and DNA extracted from them indefinitely.
Genomnz™ does not claim ownership of any samples submitted for testing. Samples will be released if requested (in writing) to the submitter or the owner as identified on the submission form.
Ensure that enough information is written on all samples so that they can be related back to the animal information on your submission form.
Genomnz™ uses state of the art DNA sequencing equipment, the latest in sample handling robotics, and a custom designed computer accession and profile matching system to produce accurate and timely test results. Accurate results, however, do depend on the provision of good quality, well-labelled samples.
For specific sampling instructions please click on the sample types below to see our guides. It is the responsibility of the submitter to ensure all samples meet the requirements of Genomnz™. Please contact us if you have any queries at all about collecting samples, it pays to know all the facts before taking the sample so that you do not have to collect another sample.
easiTrace™ Samplers (FTA Blot)
easiTrace™ samplers can be used for sheep, cattle, alpaca, and goat. They are good to use for animals that are too young to pull hair from or if the hair is too fine.
All that is required is a drop of blood blotted onto a piece of filter paper. The paper contains preservatives that allow the samples to be stored at room temperature. easiTrace™ samplers need to be dry before they are packaged and sent to us.
Contact Genomnz™ to send you the easiTrace™ samplers, these cost $1.00 per sampler
Hair Samples
Hair samples are commonly used for goat, cattle, deer, and horse. Hair is our standard method of sample collection for deer.
The sample of approximately 20-40 hairs need to be pulled from the rump (deer), tail switch (cattle), or mane. The DNA is contained in the root bulb so you must ensure that the hairs you pull from the animal have follicles on the end. Hair is not an appropriate sample type to use for deceased animals.
Store hair samples in paper envelopes. Genomnz™ prefers you to use our pre printed sample envelopes as they are easier to process and store. Please contact us for sample envelopes which we provide at no extra charge. If you wish to use your own envelopes please make sure they are approximately 9 x 16cm in size.
If you are submitting a lot of samples for parentage testing please group the samples according to calving/mating mobs for ease of processing and analysis.
Semen Samples
Semen samples can be submitted for any species. Semen is the recommended sample type for cattle sires.
Semen samples can be sent by courier or ordinary post, it is not necessary to keep them frozen in transit. However, they do need to be packaged well so the straw does not break or leak, for example, between two pieces of cardboard or in padded envelopes.
Semen extraction may incur a surcharge.
Blood Tubes
Blood can only be submitted in purple (EDTA) or green top (Heparin) tubes and after collecting each sample it is essential to gently invert the tubes to prevent clotting. Please ensure bloods are kept chilled in transit and are well packaged to prevent spilling or breakage.
Tissue Samples
Genomnz™ accepts tissue samples in the form of ear punches however these are not a preferred method of sample collection. In too many cases we have found that ear punches need to be re-sampled by the client because the sample is not sufficient to generate a complete DNA profile. Ear punch samples do not need to be frozen.
Tissue samples sourced from the skin, meat or ear are usually the best method for sampling a deceased animal. Please make sure to collect a tissue sample that is not decomposing at the time of collection. If you wish to send us a tissue sample for DNA testing, please ensure that it is kept frozen while in transit.
Aquaculture Samples
Finfish or shellfish samples such as fin clips, tentacles or foot scrapes are all accepted by Genomnz™.
Please be careful to try and avoid contamination when collecting the samples by wiping sampling equipment with ethanol between each sample.
Samples need to be stored and transported in ethanol. If you wish to use a different sample type or method of storage please contact Genomnz™ to discuss the options.
If you require any further information about sample types or sampling procedures please do not hesitate to contact us.