Some Frequently Asked Questions

What is the usual turnaround time for the test?
Most results are available within 24 hours of the time we receive your sample.

Does Zoogen accept feathers for sexing? Are the results as accurate as for blood?
Zoogen is now accepting feathers, blood, and eggshells (from new hatchlings) for sexing. All sources give equally accurate results since DNA is the same regardless of the tissue from which it is extracted. For adult birds, we prefer blood since the sample quality and DNA yield can be quite variable with feathers. This is why we recommend you submit multiple (plucked) feathers from each bird. Since the bird must be restrained anyway, we recommend blood whenever possible. Only a single drop of blood is needed.

How do I get my results?
Preliminary results can be obtained by phone, fax or e-mail. Certificates are mailed the next day.

Do I need to overnight my samples on ice?
Samples should be sent at room temperature. Regular mail is fine unless you are in a hurry. Samples submitted in Zoogen kits are stable essentially indefinitely.

Why is it important to accurately state the specie of my bird on the order form?
In order to ensure accuracy, Zoogen uses specialized processes on some types of birds. In some cases, a different DNA purification procedure is required; in others, a different set of typing reagents is necessary. This applies not only to birds from zoo collections but to others as well, such as some species of parrots. If the specie isn't known, our staff must contact clients to determine the correct specie. This extra attention causes delays in returning results. In addition, our display certificates note the specie of the bird and we want them to be accurate.

Most of my samples are processed very quickly but occasionally one takes longer. Why is that?
As mentioned above, some species require "special handling" and in some cases a more time intensive DNA purification step is needed; these "special handling" procedures take a bit longer, but are necessary to ensure accurate results.

Can Zoogen process samples sent in red, green or purple top clinical lab tubes?
Normally we are able to successfully process samples submitted in these other tubes; however, often special handling is necessary which delays the results. Our typing methods have been optimized using the Zoogen submission kits, so the fastest turnaround will be obtained when your sample is submitted in a Zoogen kit. In particular, please note that heparin, which is the anticoagulant in the green top tubes, can inhibit the PCR reaction so it is best to avoid using these tubes.

The old Zoogen kits have tubes with ethanol and capillary collection tubes. The new Zoomark kits are paper cards. Are the results as good? Will Zoogen continue to accept the tubes?
The Zoomark sample submission cards give excellent results, while making sample collection even easier for most clients. Zoogen will continue to process samples sent in the tubes; and, for some applications, tubes are required. For example, samples submitted from outside of the US as well as samples submitted for archiving (Genematch) must be collected in the tubes. Please note that neither kit format expires. The cards are good indefinitely as are the tubes (as long as there is liquid in them).

How early can my bird be sexed?
DNA is the same at any age so you can collect your blood sample as early as you are comfortable doing so. Zoogen also offers DNA sexing from eggshell membrane material from the newly hatched chick. Age does not matter for our typing test.