The SHUMI Shar-Pei Autoinflammatory Disease (SPAID) Project testing panel is performed by the Webb Laboratory at Colorado State University using cheek swab DNA samples.
Using oral cheek swabs allows owners a convenient sampling process for genetic testing.
Frequently asked questions
When is the best time to collect a DNA sample?
We recommend waiting 90 minutes to two hours after feeding your dog a meal or giving a treat to swab to prevent food contamination (water is fine – no delay necessary).
Ideally, puppies should not have suckled or have eaten in the hour prior to sampling. Please wait to test puppies until you can safely, without compromising their health, keep puppies separated from each other and their mother before sampling to help ensure you get an uncontaminated sample.
How will I know if I collect enough DNA?
Please read and follow the provided instructions in the sampling kit you receive to have the best chance of submitting enough genetic material for the assays.
Note, you might not see anything on the swabs.
Please also note that although the swabs are easier to obtain, the amount of DNA we can obtain from a cheek swab is often less, and sometimes of lesser quality, than that obtained from blood. This means we may have to ask for new swabs from your dog if the DNA obtained from the swab is insufficient for genetic testing.
Where do I mail my sample?
Cheek swab samples should be shipped to the Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratories at Colorado State University. Learn more about couriers and timely delivery.
How to have the best success collecting a genetic sample
Inspect your dog’s mouth between the cheek and gums to ensure it’s free of any food debris.
Open the swab sleeve and remove the swab. It is important to avoid touching the swab end.
Gently roll and rotate the swab against the inside of your dog’s cheek. With your other hand, apply gentle pressure from the outside of your dog’s mouth to ensure good contact between the cheek and the swab.
Repeat steps 1-3 with the second swab on the other side of the mouth.
Allow the swabs to dry for at least five minutes. Place the end in the bottom of a short glass or mug, ensuring the swab is not touched in the process.
Place the dried swabs in the provided plastic bag and close the bag.
Clearly mark the plastic bag with the dog’s name and the date the sample was taken.
The samples should be sent as soon as possible, preferably the same day as collection. Samples can be shipped at room temperature.
Ideally samples should be sent Monday through Wednesday to avoid having samples sit over the weekend.
If you can’t ship the same day as collection you may place samples in the refrigerator until shipping.
Complete a submission survey for each dog sampled.
If you have any questions, please email [email protected].