Cheek Swab Sample Collection Is Strictly Confidential

Cheek Swab Sample Collection is Strictly Confidential!

Request swabs from

Mail swabs to:

Polydactyl Cat DNA Project: Leslie Lyons, Ph.D.
VM:PHR 1114 Tupper Hall
University of California , Davis
One Shields Avenue
Davis , CA USA 95616

Cheek (buccal) swabs can be used to collect cells from the inside of the mouth of a cat . 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 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.

Cheek Swab DNA Collecting Instructions

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 for 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.

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.

NOTE FROM POLYTRAK: As an alternative to using the swab kit: A Q-Tip cut in half can be used for each sample. The individual sample can then be placed in an envelope with the identifying information on the envelope. It has been suggested also that the PolyTrak Kitten Number be attached to the Q-Tip for identification and for the lab to be able to trace pedigree and litter info.

Also fill out the swab form (with the PolyTrak Kitten Number and PolyTrak Sire and Dam numbers-if available).

Swabs and forms can be stored at room temperature and returned by regular mail. Use correct postage!

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