Cheek Swab Sample Collection is Strictly Confidential!

Request FREE swabs and forms at: felinegenome@ucdavis.edu

Cheek (buccal) swabs can be used to collect cells from the inside of the cat's mouth. These swabs (which are PAP smear brushes) can then be processed to obtain small amounts of DNA. The swab/brush is placed inside of the cat's mouth, between the cheek and gums. The swab/brush is then twirled or brushed for several (10) seconds, while making good contact with the cheek and gums. The sampling should be gentle and not make the cat's mouth sensitive or bleed. Blood or tissue samples (more DNA) are generally required for gene hunting projects.

Instructions for sample collection (see video below):

Click here for a form and instructions to print.

• Wait at least 15 minutes if the cat has recently eaten.

• Do not sample nursing kittens, they will have the cells of the mother in their mouth.

• The swabs are OK for pregnant cats. The swabs are PAP smears, the warning on the package pertains to women.

• At the end opposite to the brush, open just the end of the packaging sleeve. DO NOT TOUCH THE BRUSH!

• Hold the brush, half-way down the handle, in the hand that you use for writing.

• Hold the cat by the scruff with the other hand and place the brush between the cheek and gums.

• Twirl the brush several times to get the sample.

Click to download a movie on cheek swabbing a cat

Click to download a second movie on cheek swabbing a cat

• Let the brush air dry for 30 seconds. DO NOT BLOW ON THE BRUSH!

• Place the brush back in the packaging sleeve and seal the sleeve with tape or a staple.

• The seal should NOT be air tight. A wet brush in an airtight sleeve may grow bacteria and destroy the sample.

• Take two samples per cat & please be sure to label the packaging sleeve. Label with the cat's name & your last name.

• Also fill out the swab form. Click here for a form and instructions to print.

• Swabs and forms can be stored at room temperature and returned by regular mail. Please use correct postage.

• Mail swabs to:

Cat Genetics / Lyons' Laboratory
VM:PHR, 1114 Tupper Hall
University of California, Davis
One Shields Avenue
Davis, CA 95616-8744

E-mail: felinegenome@ucdavis.edu

Swabs will be collected at the VGL and analysis completed by the laboratory of Dr. Lyons.

 

Other useful links:

Veterinary Genetics Laboratory (VGL)

Center for Companion Animal Health (CCAH)

California National Primate Research Center (CNPRC)

Center for Equine Health (CEH)

Department of Population Health & Reproduction (VM:PHR)

Last update: November 30, 2004 This site is under continual development. Please visit again soon! Many of the current pages are the place holders for future information. Please provide suggestions to the webmaster: felinegenome@ucdavis.edu

Cheek swabs Instructions

Cheek swab form

Chromosomes & Karyotypes

Blood samples

Tissue Samples

Testicles & Ovaries

Formalin Tissues

International Shipments

US Customs Clearance Letter