Procedure for DNA Testing of Protoporphyria and Colour

Procedure for DNA Testing of Protoporphyria and Colour

Collection of Hair Samples

i) To collect the sample wrap 10 hairs from the switch/flag/tip of the tail around the index finger and pull with a rapid action to ensure roots remain on the hairs. Repeat to obtain approximately 20 hairs.

ii) Hairs must be free of visible contamination with faeces.

iii) Hairs should be placed in an envelope and labelled with the full identification number of the animal.

Complete the Application for DNA Testing Form.
Send the completed form together with the envelopes with the hairs from each animal to ALBS, P O Box 262, Armidale, NSW 2350.
Samples will be dispatched to the Elizabeth Macarthur Institute on the first day of each month and the samples will be analysed within 5 working days of receipt at EMAI.
Results will be sent to ALBS who will then send the results to the member who submitted the samples.

Cost of tests for samples submitted to ALBS. For protoporphyria or colour tests:
Less than 20 samples $44.00 protoporphyria $49.50 colour

20 or more samples $35.00 protoporphyria and colour

Hairs samples can be sent directly to the Genetics Laboratory but the cost is higher.

Other Samples

Blood and semen samples can be analysed. However these samples require additional processing and are therefore more expensive. They should be sent directly to the Genetics Laboratory.

Blood

i) Two (2) 10 ml of blood collected into a vessel containing EDTA. Mix blood with EDTA as soon as possible after collection.

ii) Label the tube with the unique identifier for the subject.

iii) Package in a suitable crush proof container.

iv) The sample does not need refrigeration if posted within 24 hours of collection.

Semen

i) A straw of semen should be placed in a package to prevent crushing during transport.

ii) The semen does not need to be frozen if posted within 24 hours of being removed from liquid nitrogen.

Cost of protoporphyria and colour tests from blood or semen is available from the Genetics Laboratory.

Samples to be posted to: Genetics Laboratory, EMAI, PMB 8, Camden, NSW 2570 or via a courier service to: Genetics Laboratory, EMAI, Woodbridge Road, Menangle, NSW 2568.

Contact: Julie Dennis Ph. (02) 4640 6325 or Fax. (02) 4640 6494