How to Swab Your Dog
Just follow the easy steps below. Don’t forget to activate your kit before mailing the swab back to us.
Which type of swab do you have?
TUTORIAL VIDEO FOR STEPS 1-4
1.REMOVE COLLECTION TUBE
Open the kit and remove the tube from its packaging. Do not remove the swab from the tube, you can use the tube as a handle.
2.SWAB YOUR DOG FOR 30-60 SECONDS
Take the swab and gently rub the inside of your dog’s cheek pouch and under his tongue to collect saliva for at least 30 seconds. Some tips to get the best quality sample:
- Make sure the swab sponge is saturated with saliva. Some dogs may need you to swab for up to 60 seconds!
- Show your dog a treat (don’t let them eat it) so they get nice and slobbery.
- Don’t let your dog eat for 30 minutes prior to swabbing.
3.UNSCREW CAP, PLACE IN TUBE & SEAL YOUR SAMPLE
Unscrew the cap and turn the swab upside down. Place the swab inside the collection tube.
Don’t spill the liquid – it is needed to stabilize the DNA until it’s processed.
Screw the cap until you cannot turn it any further.
4.MIX SAMPLE
Make sure the cap is screwed on tightly over the sample collection tube. Invert the tube and shake for 10 seconds.
5.ACTIVATE
Click the button below to activate your kit.
Please do this before mailing your kit back to us.
6.SEND YOUR SAMPLE TO US
Send your sample to Embark with the prepaid envelope included in your kit. Don’t worry, your sample is stable for up to 1 year, but who wants to wait that long?
TUTORIAL VIDEO
1.SWAB YOUR DOG FOR 30-60 SECONDS ALONG INNER CHEEK
Open the kit and remove the swab and the tube from the packaging. Use moderate pressure to ensure cheek cell collection when swabbing for 30-60 seconds.
- Some dogs may need you to swab for up to 60 seconds!
- Show your dog a treat (don’t let them eat it) so they get nice and slobbery.
- Don’t let your dog eat for 30 minutes prior to swabbing.
2.STIR SWAB IN LIQUID IN TUBE
Insert the swab head into the tube. Twirl and mix the swab in the liquid for 30 seconds.
3.LET SIT IN TUBE FOR 5 MINUTES
Insert top part of swab shaft into liquid buffer, ensuring swab comes in contact with liquid.
4.REMOVE & DISPOSE OF SWAB
Remove the swab from liquid, wiping off any excess liquid by squeezing the swab head against the wall of the tube.
5.DISPOSE OF SWAB
6.ACTIVATE
Click the button below to activate your kit.
Please do this before mailing your kit back to us.
7.CLOSE TUBE & PUT IN BOX OR ENVELOPE
Make sure the cap is screwed on tightly!
8.SEND YOUR SAMPLE TO US
You do not need to send back the swab after following the above instructions – all we need to process is the liquid, which now holds the keys to your dog’s genetic data!
Don’t worry, your sample is stable for up to 1 year, but who wants to wait that long?
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