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Important information
Frequently asked questions
Step-by-Step DNA Blood Sample CollectionUsing a Coffee FilterWash your hands before collecting the sample. Gloves are recommended.Use a clean coffee filter for each bird/animal being tested. Do not reuse filters.Label the coffee filter first with:Animal ID or nameBreed/varietyDate collectedOwner nameCollect a small drop of blood using your preferred safe collection method.Place 1–3 drops of blood directly onto the coffee filter. The blood spot should be about the size of a pencil eraser or slightly larger.Allow the blood sample to air dry completely at room temperature.
Do not use heat, sunlight, a hair dryer, or a sealed bag while drying.Once fully dry, fold the coffee filter so the blood spot is protected.Place the dried sample in a paper envelope.
Do not place wet samples in plastic bags, as moisture can cause mold or ruin the sample.Use one envelope per animal to prevent cross-contamination.Store samples in a cool, dry place until drop-off, pickup, or mailing.Important: Samples must be completely dry before packaging. Painter Family Homestead is not responsible for samples that are mislabeled, contaminated, molded, damaged, or insufficient for laboratory testing.
Step-by-Step DNA Feather Sample CollectionWash your hands before collecting the sample. Gloves are recommended.Label a paper envelope before collecting the sample with:Bird ID or nameBreed/varietyDate collectedOwner nameSelect freshly plucked feathers.Do NOT use feathers found on the ground or naturally molted feathers.The feather must be pulled directly from the bird.Collect 5–10 feathers from the breast, thigh, or underwing area.Check the feather shafts.Each feather should have a visible tissue bulb (quill) attached at the end.The bulb contains the DNA needed for testing.Allow any blood on the feathers to dry completely before packaging.Place the feathers into the labeled paper envelope.Do not use plastic bags, as moisture can damage the sample.Use one envelope per bird.Seal the envelope and store it in a cool, dry place until drop-off, pickup, or mailing.Complete all submission information and ensure it matches the label on the envelope.Important NotesFreshly plucked feathers are required for DNA testing.Molted, broken, damaged, or contaminated feathers may not contain enough DNA for analysis.Samples that are mislabeled, contaminated, insufficient, or damaged may require recollection and resubmission.Painter Family Homestead is not responsible for samples that do not meet laboratory collection requirements.
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