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Sampling Best Practices
Sample Collection, Handling and Shipping Guidelines
Tail tips, fin clips and DNA samples have long been used as sources for genetic testing and they remain important tools for genetic research. However, the ease of obtaining genetic information from these specimens is influenced by the collection method, timing, and handling. Following these guidelines will help ensure that submitted samples are uniformly handled in an optimum fashion to minimize the influence of environmental variables.
Recommended Materials
It is necessary to have the proper materials ready when collecting, storing, and shipping the specimens for your study. The materials and supplies listed here are recommendations:
- Disposable gloves (preferably sterile) and other personnel protective equipment, as needed
- Sharp scissors, razor, or surgical blade
- Microtainer tubes or 96-well plates
- Various packing supplies as required
- Rigid packaging for shipping
(do not use shipping envelopes or bags as they can be crushed in transit resulting in loss of samples)
Collection Procedures
The collection procedures required vary according to the type of sample being collected. Refer to your institution’s IACUC protocols for sample collection.
Sample-Specific Guidance
Sample Type | Sample Size | Storage Conditions | Vessel Type | Shipping |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Tail/ear (rodent) | ≤2mm | Room temperature preferred | Microtainer tubes or 96-well plates | Fresh samples can be shipped at room temperature. Frozen samples must remain frozen during shipment . |
Fin clip (zebrafish) | Whole fin | Room temperature preferred | Microtainer tubes or 96-well plates | Fresh samples can be shipped at room temperature. Push samples to bottom of container (fins often dry onto sides of tubes during shipping making DNA extraction difficult) . Frozen samples must remain frozen during shipment . |
Frozen Organ Tissue | ≤2mm | Frozen | Microtainer tubes or 96-well plates | Frozen samples must remain frozen during shipment. Samples larger than 2mm will not be typed. |
Extracted/Purified DNA*
(Proteinase K digestion) | 20-50µL | Room temperature preferred | Screw top tubes (preferred), 96-well plates with cap mats, or microtainer tubes covered securely with paraffin | Secure samples carefully to prevent leakage and cross contamination during shipping. Ship at room temperature unless previously frozen. |
Extracted/Purified DNA*
(Spin column or magnetic bead extraction) | 50-100µL | Room temperature preferred | Screw top tubes (preferred), 96-well plates with cap mats, or microtainer tubes covered securely with paraffin | Secure samples carefully to prevent leakage and cross contamination during shipping. Ship at room temperature unless previously frozen. |
Buccal swab | 1 swab | Room temperature | Trim swabs to fit in microtainer tubes or 96-well deep well plates | Requires using Puritan™ PurFlock Ultra 6″ Sterile Ultrafine Flock Swab w/Polystyrene Handle, 100mm Breakpoint (MPN: P3317-U) |
Blood | Not accepted | |||
Fixed/preserved samples | Not accepted | |||
* Extracted/purified DNA can only be accepted if the method used to make the DNA is provided. Spin column kits tend to provide low yields which can lead to insufficient DNA for genotyping, especially for validations or when multiple targets need to be tested. We do charge for “No Calls” when the DNA has been provided to us. | ||||
Documentation and Labelling
Label samples with electronically printed or hand-written (in felt-tip permanent marker) labels. Prior to packaging, complete a GTCA sample submission form and include it with the shipment so your samples can be accurately received and recorded.
Frozen Sample Shipping and Handling
All samples should be packaged in a fashion that minimizes the chance they become, crushed, opened, or damaged during shipping. Samples which are already frozen should be shipped in a Styrofoam container with sufficient dry ice to maintain temperature (less than -80 °C) for at least 48 hours.
All samples should be shipped to:
GenoTyping Center of America
10 Water St., Suite 215
Waterville, Maine 04901
Phone: 1-844-800-4822
Email: support@gtcasolutions.com