Click on the PennGen Sample Testing Site link at the left of this screen to open the link in a new window. 

DETAILED INSTRUCTIONS [view printable PDF]

1. Determine the type of test you are submitting. DNA Tests may be breed specific or cover multiple breeds. Fanconi Syndrome, Metabolic Screening and Urine Cystinuria are not limited to breed. Some disease are covered by both a DNA test or a Screen. For example, Newfoundlands can be tested for cystinuria by a Urine Cystinuria Test (also known as a nitroprusside test), however the exact mutation is known, and a DNA test will reveal the exact status of the dog - normal, affected or carrier.
2. Collect the appropriate sample. For DNA Tests, 1-2mls of whole EDTA blood, or 2-3 Buccal swabs per animal. For Fanconi Syndrome Screening, Metabolic Screening or Urine Cystinuria Screening, 3-5mls of free catch urine is required. 
3. "Click here" to Login into our new Sample Submission website. If you have not already created an account with us (free), please do so using the instructions provided on the Sample Submission website.  The system will open in a new window, so these instructions will not disappear. 
4. Fill in as much detail as possible. Clinical signs need to be detailed but succinct; please don't copy and paste all CBC/Chem screen if it is normal. Instead, a summary is much more helpful, e.g., "Chem Screen - Unremarkable, CBC- PCV 13%, retic 25%." For metabolic screens, it is important to include the reason for testing, especially tentative diagnosis or list of current differentials. For Fanconi Syndrome, it is vital that you fill in dietary information including Brand, Type, Amount, Duration on this food and TREATS (of ANY kind - jerky chicken, raw meat etc). 
5. Be sure to hit "Complete" when your submission is finished. This will bring up a submission form with a unique tracking number on top. If you do not hit submit, we will not be sent the information you just typed, and this will delay you getting your results.
6. Take the printed form, and pack it with your payment and your sample. Check to ensure the sample is labeled with your name, your animals call name, and the test being requested
7. Choose the correct shipment method based on the test you have requested. 
8. The Fanconi Syndrome/Metabolic Screen is typically run once a week. Depending on the workload in the lab, your sample will take 1-2 weeks to get results. If it has been more than 3 weeks, please contact us to ensure the sample arrived. To increase turn-around time, we are emailing results as much as possible so please verify that the email you give us is current and valid!
9. DNA Tests typically take 2 weeks to run, depending on blood vs swab sample, the frequency of that sample being submitted, and lab workload. Again, we like to email results as they are generated, so please include an email address. If it has been more than 4 weeks, please get in contact with us to check that the sample arrived. 
10. If you have questions or queries at any stage of the submission process, please feel free to call the lab handling your test.

PennGen Laboratories

A not-for-profit genetic testing branch of the Section of Medical Genetics.

Dr. Giger/PennGen
School of Vet Med
Univ of Pennsylvania
3900 Delancey Street
Room 4013
Philadelphia, PA 19104-6010

Phone: (215) 898 3375
Fax: (215) 573 2162
E-mail: penngen@lists.upenn.edu