DNA Sample Collection INSTRUCTIONS using FTA Cards (NAPA)
A Guide for Collecting High-Quality Samples for DNA Analysis:
The first step in any analytical testing procedure is the collection of an
adequate sample. This is the foundation upon which all other steps in the
process are based. Similar to building a house, it could be argued that collection
of a high-quality sample is the most important step in the testing process;
if the foundation isn’t strong it won’t support the remaining structure.
With over 14 years of experience in providing DNA testing services to breed
associations and individual breeders, this analogy has been true for MMI Genomics’
DNA-based Cattle Testing Services.
To ensure the highest possible sample integrity upon which your DNA testing
results will be based, MMI Genomics has adopted the MMIG MicroCard system
for processing and storage of DNA samples. Our experience has clearly demonstrated
the MicroCard system has the lowest re-run rates and the highest long-term
storage capability than any of the other sample systems we have tested. As
further proof to the robustness of this technology, it has been universally
adopted by law enforcement officials and the U.S. Armed Forces for their DNA
sample collection and archive requirements.
MMI Genomics accepts cattle samples in three formats; blood, semen or hair.
Blood samples spotted on MMIG MicroCards is the preferred sample type. There
is an additional fee for processing semen and hair samples because DNA isolation
from these sample types requires more labor than processing of MicroCards.
Processing fees for semen and hair samples can be obtained from NAPA.
DNA Sample Collection Kit Components:
When you request a DNA test through NAPA, you will receive a kit that consists
of the following components:
· Sample Submission Form
· MMIG MicroCard
· 18-Guage Hypodermic Needle
· Detailed Instructions for Collection and Shipment of samples
Blood Sampling Instructions:(photo 1: MicroCards with and without a sample collected)
Step 1: Label the MicroCard from the Sample Collection Kit with the appropriate
animal’s identification number (i.e. tag, tattoo or registration number).
Step 2: Remove the kit’s hypodermic needle from its plastic cover. (photo
2: piercing the ear with the needle)
Step 3: Holding the tip of the animal’s ear, use the needle to gently pierce
the ear two or three times with each piercing about one-eighth of an inch
from each other. (photo 3: a drop of blood on the surface of the ear)
Step 4: Wait 5 to 10 seconds for a drop of blood to form.
(photo 4: placing the MicroCard against the drop of blood)
Step 5a: Holding the back of the Tru-MicroCard, open the matchbook-styled
cover and press the printed circle to the blood on the topside of the ear.
(photo 5: MicroCard with adequate blood filling the circle)
Step 5b: If more blood is needed for the sample, press the circle on the drop
of blood on the underside of the ear. For a sufficient sample, the blood blot
should fill at least half of the area of the circle.
Step 6: When finished, safely discard the used needle.
Step 7: Repeat steps 1-6 for each animal being tested; always use a new needle
for each animal sampled.
Step 8: Keep sample cards separated until the bloodstains are dry. Fill out
the Sample Submission Form provided, making sure to match the ID number on
the MicroCard with the corresponding ID number on the paperwork.
Semen straws must be clearly labeled with appropriate animal identification.
To prevent damage or loss of the sample during transport, make sure the straws
will not get bent or crushed by taping them between pieces of cardboard or
placing them into a hollowed out ball point pen sleeve. There is no need to
send semen straws on ice or liquid nitrogen.
Hair Samples:
Tail hair should be pulled from the switch, not cut. The source of DNA is
the hair follicle, or the tissue bulb (root) at the end of pulled hair. Please
send about 20 to 30 pulled hairs per animal. Line the roots up and tape the
hairs into a bundle. Package hair samples from different animals into separate,
sealed envelopes with animal identification written onto the front of each
envelope.
1. Samples should be stored and shipped at room temperature.
2. Do not place MicroCard blood samples in plastic baggies as this does not
allow adequate drying of the blood sample on the card.
3. Make sure to include an accurately completed and signed Sample Submission
Form.
4. Make sure to include the appropriate fees for processing your samples.
5. Mail samples and Sample Submission Form by regular U.S. mail to:
MMI Genomics, Inc.
ATTN: Cattle Customer Support
1756 Picasso Ave.
Davis, CA 95616
Please contact NAPA (306-329-8600 or click HERE
to email) if you have any questions on the collection or shipment of samples
for MMI Genomics DNA Cattle Testing Services.
Vicki Johnson
Exec. Director, NAPA
306-329-8600
EMAIL:
NAPA@yourlink.ca