To ensure the highest quality results, it all begins with proper sample submission. We recommend using egg membrane for analysis and for older birds, a blood or feather sample is ideal.
For more information please select the type of sample you wish to submit.
Egg Membrane
1. Label each sample bag with the required information:
– Submitters name
– Species
– Bird ID
2. Collect eggshell as soon as possible following hatching.
If possible, separate the DNA rich membrane from the shell. Place the shell or membrane in a well-ventilated area and leave to air dry.
Important:
If sampling from multiple birds, wash hands and clean tweezers between birds to prevent cross contamination. Keep eggshells separate to prevent cross-contamination.
Eggshell and membrane samples must be dried prior to sending otherwise they will decay resulting in sample failure.
3. Place samples in sample bag
Place eggshell or membrane in the sample bag labelled in step 1.
Each labelled sample bag must only an eggshell or membrane from one bird.
Blood Samples
Important:
Blood samples must only be collected by trained and competent persons. If in doubt, contact your local veterinarian.
1. Label each sample bag with the required information:
– Submitters name
– Species
– Bird ID
2. Clip toenails to obtain a blood sample
With the bird grasped firmly, examine the nails to ensure they are clean, sterilise the area using an alcohol wipe.
Using a sterile pair of nail clippers, clip the bird’s nail to nick the vein (around 2/3 of the distance from the root of the nail) to produce a drop of blood.
3. Spot blood onto cotton bud
Use a clean cotton bud to absorb a few small drops of blood from the clipped nail.
Set the cotton bud aside in a clean area and allow the collected blood to dry.
Important:
Blood samples must be dried prior to sending otherwise they will decay resulting in sample failure.
4. Place samples in sample bag
Place the dried blood sample in the sample bag labelled in step 1.
Avoid touching the end of the cotton bud containing the blood.
Each labelled sample bag must only contain blood samples from one bird.
Feather Samples
1. Label each sample bag with the required information:
– Submitters name
– Species
– Bird ID
2. Pluck breast feathers
With the bird grasped firmly, use tweezers to pluck 6 breast feathers (8 if feathers are very small).
Grab the base of the feather shaft and pluck feathers one at a time.
The plucked feather should have a follicle at the base, which contains the DNA.
Important:
Only submit freshly plucked feathers. Moulted feathers will not work.
If sampling from multiple birds, wash hands and clean tweezers between birds to prevent cross contamination.
3. Place samples in sample bag
Place feathers in the sample bag labelled in step 1.
Avoid touching the follicle end of the feather.
Each labelled sample bag must only contain feathers from one bird.