Tissue Collection Guidelines

Guidelines for Submitting Postmortem Tissues for Genetic Testing

Paw Print Genetics accepts postmortem tissue for genetic screening if the following criteria are met:

  1. The animal has been deceased for less than 3 days and refrigerated or frozen during that time.
  2. The tissues were collected within 3 days of death and shipped within 1 day of collection or
  3. The tissues were collected within 3 days of death and stored at -20°C if not shipped immediately.
Note: These guidelines are intended for those who desire genetic testing on deceased dogs.

Sample Collection:

  • If a postmortem exam is being performed on the dog, preferred tissues for DNA testing include skeletal muscle, heart, kidney or liver.
  • If a postmortem exam is not being performed, a notch of the tongue is preferred.
  • An approximately 2-5 mm cube of tissue should be collected using sterile scissors or a sterile scalpel blade.
  • After collection, the tissue should be placed in a sterile container such as a red top blood collection tube or a Whirl-Pak® bag labelled with the dog's unique identifying information (i.e. call name and Paw Print Genetics dog identification number which is obtained/assigned after placing your order).

Sample Submission:

  • Samples do not need to be kept frozen but should be packaged in a Styrofoam container with frozen ice packs.
  • The Styrofoam container should be placed into a cardboard shipping box when possible and shipped overnight.
  • Please do not send samples on Fridays or for Saturday delivery.
  • Please contact the laboratory with the tracking number.
  • Place your genetic testing order on the Paw Print Genetics website.
  • Once your order has been completed on our website, print your requisition form, review and sign the bottom and place the form in a sealable plastic bag.
  • The requisition form in the sealed plastic bag should be placed in the box with your tissue sample(s).

  • If you order a kit from us, the return address labels and return packaging will be supplied. If you choose to source your own kits, they will need to be returned to the addresses below

    • For shipments via USPS
    • Paw Print Genetics c/o Neogen
    • 4131 N. 48th St.
    • Lincoln, NE 68504
    • USA
    • For overnight and 2 day shipments via (FedEx, UPS, USPS, etc.)
    • Paw Print Genetics c/o Neogen
    • 4131 N. 48th St.
    • Lincoln, NE 68504
    • USA

    • Canadian Shipments
    • Neogen
    • 7323 Roper Rd. NW
    • Edmonton, AB T6E 0W4
    • Canada
    • United Kingdom Shipments
    • Genomic Samples
    • Neogen Europe Ltd.
    • The Dairy School
    • Auchincruive, Ayr KA6 5HU
    • United Kingdom