With the increasing complexity of shipping packages across the country and around the world, it is not surprising that we sometimes see a delay in swab shipment arrival at our laboratory that can last days or weeks. The main concern our customers have in these situations is whether their sample will still be OK for genetic testing. We always answer with a resounding YES because a sample is stable indefinitely assuming the customer has followed our swab directions that come with each kit.
DNA itself is one of the most stable biomolecules known in nature which is really important considering it carries the information for life. You may have heard of studies on DNA from our human ancestors such as Neanderthals and extinct animals like Woolly Mammoths. These types of studies look at samples that are thousands of years old and have been preserved by nature in very specific ways that involve removing as much water as possible to prevent decay. Almost all biochemical reactions require the presence of some amount of water. This includes enzymes that can degrade DNA. So, if a sample is dried well enough and kept dry it can be saved for long periods of time and analyzed after being rehydrated.
At GenSol, we use this same drying concept to stabilize your sample during transport. This is why we ask that customers air dry their swab for a minimum of 20 minutes before placing it back in the paper swab sleeve. Once the swab is placed back in the sleeve, it will complete the drying process fairly quickly. The other important part of the process is the envelope used to ship the sample. Any envelope will work as long as it is breathable material such as paper or Tyvek. These materials will allow any remaining moisture to be removed from the sample during transport. The biggest warning we give customers is to avoid using plastic of any kind such as Ziplock bags, bubble mailers, cling wrap, or packing tape to enclose their swabs. Although you would think this would help protect the sample, it actually keeps moisture from escaping which only helps enzymes degrade your DNA during transport. So, with proper drying and the right shipping material, your sample will arrive ready to be tested at our laboratory no matter the time in transit.
At GenSol, we do everything we can to ensure a fast and accurate testing process that always starts with a good sample. Whether you are new to genetic testing or have been doing it for years, take a second to check out our short videos detailing the swabbing process for each species (dog, cat, goat, and horse) and please don’t hesitate to contact us with any questions. We’re always here to help and thanks again for supporting better breeding and healthcare decisions.
