Real-Time PCR

Real-Time PCR

Sample Collection & Shipping Guidelines

Fecal Pellet Collection

Feces: Fecal pellets for PCR evaluation should be collected with clean gloves of sterile forceps and placed in individually labeled sterile tubes.

• If testing individual mice/rats, submit fecal pellets from each animal. Two or three pellets per animal are adequate.

Pelt Swab Sample Collection

Pelt Swab: Using a sterile, dry flocked swab, thoroughly swab the fur against the direction of the hair coat of the animal. It is important to swab around the face, back, tail base, and belly for the best results.

• Insert the swab halfway into a labeled sterile tube, close the tube lid against the swab shaft, and pull down on the swab shaft to break the shaft. The tip end will fall into the tube, and the tube can be capped.
• Place labeled sample tubes in a cardboard mailer or styrofoam box and ship overnight to our laboratory. Samples can be shipped at ambient temperature or on ice packs. 

Oral Swab Collection (for PCR Testing)

Oral Swab: Using a sterile, dry flocked swab, restrain the mouse/rat with one hand so that the head is not able to move from side to side..

• Insert the oral swab starting at the corner of the mouth to encourage the animal to open its mouth.
• Slowly twirl the swab to collect the sample.
• Insert the swab halfway into a labeled sterile tube, close the tube lid against the swab shaft, and pull down on the swab shaft to break the shaft. The tip end will fall into the tube, and the tube can be capped.
• Place labeled sample tubes in a cardboard mailer or styrofoam box and ship overnight to our laboratory. Samples can be shipped at ambient temperature or on ice packs.