| Step 1: |
Obtain three sterile bottles for preserving and transporting the tissue samples. Bottles may be plastic or glass of at least 10 ml or 1 oz size. Each bottle needs a screw cap that can be securely tightened to prevent leakage. |
| Step 2: |
Prepare the transport media from standard 0.9% isotonic saline solution and, if possible, add one or two drops of an injectable broad-spectrum antibiotic such as Gentamycin 0.3% or Pen-Strep. |
| Step 3: |
Choose a site behind the scruff of the neck or inside of a leg where the skin is loose. Perfom sterile skin prep with special attention to removing as much hair as possible. |
| Step 4: |
Obtain one full-thickness skin biopsy; 6mm biopsy punches are recommended. Try to maximize the amount of skin tissue and minimize the amount of fatty and other tissue. |
| Step 5: |
If the animal is deceased, also include an ear clipping of approximately 1/4 inch wide by at least 1/4 inch long. |
| Step 6: |
Place the biopsy sample into the bottle of transport media and keep refrigerated until it is packed and shipped. Secure the lids on the bottles firmly. |
| Step 7: |
Repeat the punch biopsy two more times until three sets of tissue samples are collected. |
| Step 8: |
Label each vial as follows:
a. Owner’s name,
b. Pet’s name and age,
c. Species,
d. Date samples taken,
e. Biopsy site. |
| Step 9: |
Place tubes in a Styrofoam box with frozen ice gel packs (NOT DRY ICE). The container should be capable of keeping the contents at a temperature between 35° and 45°F (2° to 5°C) for 72 hours. Check with your courier such as Federal Express or UPS for assistance and shipment times. |
| Step 10: |
Immediately transport the package by overnight courier to:
Cyagra, Inc.,
Attn: Cell Line Lab
197 Bossler Road
Elizabethtown, PA 17022
Phone: 808-989-2028 |
| Step 11: |
Please provide PERPETUATE the courier and tracking number by email (petdna@perpetuate.net) or telephone (808-989-2028). |
| Step 12: |
Ship two bottles of tissue samples. Keep the third bottle of extra samples in a refrigerator until your shipment arrives at the laboratory in satisfactory condition. |
