Questions about the testing procedure

Questions Answer
Is it okay to use the swab to obtain DNA from the mouth of a pregnant cat? Yes, we believe it should be safe to carefully swab the mouth of a pregnant cat to obtain a DNA sample for testing. The confusion about this is likely due to the label which shows this cytology swab is also used by OB/GYNs on human patients (it should not be used on pregnant humans for OB/GYN purposes).
Is it better to submit DNA sample using a blood draw or a cheek swab? We have no preference at this time. A swab with enough DNA sample works just as well in our testing process as blood draw. When we first began this testing process, it seemed that blood samples may have processed more easily than swab samples. Today, our procedure has matured and we typically see similar success for DNA extraction and testing process with both swabs and blood samples.
Why do some tests return results faster than others? There are several reasons for one sample to process faster to result than another sample. One reason is that some DNA samples may not cooperate with our testing process as well as other samples. It may take several tries before one sample will finish the testing process through to clear result. Meanwhile, the other samples received at the same time processed easily. We do everything we can to achieve clear test results from DNA submitted and sometimes this means extra effort is required for certain samples.
How old must a kitten be in order to be tested? A kitten has its own unique DNA that could be tested as early as one day after birth. The answer about timing depends on how the DNA sample is obtained. If a blood sample is desired, a veterinarian should be consulted to determine appropriate age of the kitten to yield between 0.5ml to 1.0 ml blood draw. If a cheek swab is desired, kitten should be weaned and separated from the dam about 24 hours prior to swabbing. The purpose in the separation from the dam is to reduce the likelihood that any of the DNA from the dam’s teats is in the kitten’s mouth. The mother’s milk is not a factor. The skin cells from the dam’s teats are the concern. Also, food particles on the cheek swab make it difficult to extract the DNA. The kitten should also be separated from food for about 1 hour prior to swabbing.
What is the best way to submit DNA for kittens? Swab or blood sample usually work equally well. The answer to this question depends on the choice of the submitter.
My kitten may have had mother’s milk in its mouth when I swabbed it. Will this affect the test result for this kitten? Mother’s milk is not a factor in cheek swabs from a kitten except to perhaps make the DNA extraction slightly more difficult. Mother’s milk does not have DNA in it, per se, and it should therefore not contaminate the DNA sample from the kitten. The skin cells from the dam’s teat(s) may present a DNA contamination in the kitten’s mouth.
My cat may have casually licked another cat before I swabbed its mouth. Will this mess up the test result for this cat? We feel it is unlikely for there to be enough DNA from a casual incident like this to alter the test’s result. There are no studies that support this sort of DNA transference.
What are the most common errors that people make when returning swabs for testing? These are the five most common errors:

1. “Not enough DNA to perform the test.” Solution: Follow the instructions carefully and allow enough turns of the brush to accumulate enough cells. Note: You do not need to draw blood in order to get enough DNA on the swab, although blood on the swab is not a problem.

2. “Not allowing the swab to air dry before sealing it into the sleeve.” Solution: If there is a great deal of moisture on the swab and it is sealed before drying, it may start to mold and mold will decrease the amount of DNA on the swab that we can work with.

3. “Returning the swab into the sleeve with the brush side sticking out.” Solution: Always put the brush end of the swab inside first. The brush part is where the DNA resides (hopefully) after rubbing it inside the cat’s cheek. So the brush end should be the most carefully protected part of the swab.

4. “Not sealing the sleeve very well after the swab has been returned.” Solution: The swab should be returned into the paper-plastic sleeve and sealed closed with tape. There should be a very small gap or two when taping closed so the swab can get a little bit of air as this prevents mold from growing. But it is important to make sure the swab cannot be cross-contaminated with elements outside the sleeve.

5. “Accidentally mis-labeling the swab sleeve with another cat’s name.” Solution: Even the most careful submitter can mix up swabs. If you’re doing multiple cats, try taking the swabbing process slow and careful. Be very organized. Give yourself a way to cross check which swab came from whom. If you swap one of the swabs, we’ll likely know about it.

Careful consideration should be given to keeping each swab pristine before and after swabbing. We cannot provide clear, accurate results if the swabs were cross-contaminated prior to our receipt.
What are the most common errors that people make when returning blood for testing? There are four most common errors in blood submissions:

1. Not leaving enough room on the label for our lab to write data.
2. Not using a standard EDTA draw tube.
3. Not providing enough blood (0.5ml to 1.0ml – preferably closer to 1.0ml)
4. Overnight-ing the shipment on ice: this is not necessary because the fluid in the EDTA draw acts as a type of extender. Shipment should be priority but not necessarily overnight.
Am I required to submit two DNA samples on the same cat in order to get a test result? One DNA sample is all that is required to perform this test. Two samples with sufficient DNA may provide a cross checked result.

from: http://www.vetmed.wsu.edu/deptsVCGL/FAQ.aspx