The examination can be performed at any age, it depends on the breeder at what age he can handle the animals and take a biological sample. The result is valid for lifetime. The only restriction is when performing a mucosal swab on breastfed babies (see collection instructions). Take the sample 1-2 hours after feeding to avoid contamination from the mother’s DNA or from other sources. Isolate each dog/cat from other individuals approximately 1 hour before collection.

Is it necessary to test an animal that is a descendant of healthy individuals?

Mutations in general can arise de novo. This means that the disease caused by the mutation can appear even in an individual who does not have it in the family history. However, it is unlikely that a de novo mutation would be identical to a test mutation that has already been described. Sometimes testing the offspring of healthy (clear, normal, non-affected) parents is beneficial, especially if there could be a case that one of the parents was tested incorrectly.

How reliable is a genetic test?

Genetic tests are among the most reliable laboratory analyses, with reliability of more than 90%. The result obtained from a cheek swab sample is as reliable as the result from a blood sample if the swab is taken correctly. In rare cases, it may happen that the analysis from the cheek swab cannot be evaluated due to an insufficient amount of DNA. In this case, the laboratory will ask to send a new sample (another swab, or better whole blood with EDTA). As a rule, repeated analysis is not charged.

Is it possible to test pregnant females?

Yes. Pregnancy has no effect on the result of the genetic test.

Does the use of medication affect the result of a genetic test?

Taking medication does not affect the test result. In exceptional cases, it may happen that the analysis will be inhibited by the presence of the drug and will not be successful.

Sampling

What biological material is the examination made of?

The most suitable sample for analysis in dogs and cats is whole blood with EDTA, which is collected by your veterinarian. However, analyses are performed from several types of samples:

blood was taken by a veterinarian. The sample can be taken in a test tube (which we will be happy to send you free of charge upon request) or in a test tube from a veterinarian (dogs, cats).
swab of the oral mucosa – to perform the swab, we will send you a sampling kit, 2 cytological brushes for each individual (dogs, cats).
bloodstains – dry ones collected on collection cards, which we will be happy to send you free of charge upon request. Analysis from cards other than ours is charged as a non-standard sample – 1 euro (valid only for birds).
feathers – freshly plucked breast cover feathers 6 pcs.
swabs of mucous membranes for the detection of pathogens – see the relevant test.
other types of samples only after agreement with the laboratory.

Can I take a mucosal swab from breastfed puppies?

When taking a swab of the oral cavity from breastfed babies, there is a risk of contamination with cells from the mother’s nipple. The test results can be distorted – for example, in individuals whose mother is positive, the result of the examination of the cubs can be false positive! Please note that for breastfed pups, take the sample 1-2 hours after feeding to avoid contamination of the mother’s DNA or from other sources. Isolate each dog from other dogs approximately 1 hour before collection.

Do I have to fill in the form: Confirmation of origin of biological material?

Our laboratory does not require confirmation of the origin of the biological material, but without confirmation of the identity of the sample, we cannot consider later complaints. However, some kennel clubs require this confirmation. It is, therefore, necessary to inquire at your club. If the club requires confirmation, a form for confirming the origin of biological material (F66) and animal data is available for download. The veterinarian performing the collection will confirm the form with a stamp and signature. Confirmation of receipt by a veterinarian is also possible on a printed online order. The data on the collection by the veterinarian will then be indicated in the resulting report. Otherwise, the log says, “The identity of the individual was not verified”.

What is a confirmed sampling?

The fact of the confirmed sampling is indicated in the report on the result and announces that the individual’s identity was verified by an independent responsible person or authority (for example, a veterinarian or a laboratory), before the sample was collected, the name of the veterinarian and the Vet. Reg. number issued by the Chamber of Veterinary Doctors are given.

Why is it good to have a confirmed sampling?

Confirmed collection may be required by breeding organizations. A result report stating, “Identity of the animal has not been verified.” may not be recognized by the breeding organization.

How to get a confirmed sampling?

The confirmed collection is included in the result report in cases where a duly completed sample collection confirmation form F67 (or order form F18, or a confirmed printed online order) was delivered to the laboratory together with the samples. The duly completed form on confirmed sample collection contains the identification of the individual, especially the full name of the individual, breed, identification data – microchip or tattoo number, ring number in birds, signature, and stamp of the veterinarian. The identification of an individual is most often verified by a microchip (reader) or by a tattoo (by sight), ring number in birds, etc.

How are swab samples transported to the laboratory?

Put the dried brushes with the collected biological material back in the original packaging, or in a clean paper envelope marked with a clear identification of the sample. Seal the envelope. Do not put the brushes in any other plastic packaging. Upon request, we will be happy to send you mop brushes free of charge. Put the packaging with the brushes in a bubble envelope and send it by registered mail.

How are blood samples transported to the laboratory?

Blood samples must be collected in closable tubes (e.g., tubes with screw caps – we provide tubes on request) with anticoagulant EDTA or sodium citrate. Secure the tubes against impact (e.g., cover them with a napkin). Place each wrapped tube with blood in a clean plastic bag and close the bag. Place the samples in a bubble envelope and send by registered mail.

How are blood stains transported to the laboratory?

Blood spots for bird analysis are collected on our collection cards, which we are happy to send to you free of charge upon request. After blood collection, the blood spots must be allowed to dry well, it is important that each card is marked with an identification number (chip or ring number). If you want to order gender determination, you can pack all the cards in one envelope along with filling out the order form. If you want to order an analysis to detect the PBFD virus, the cards must be separated. The order form for gender determination and detection of viral diseases must be filled out with each order and attached to the samples, otherwise, a fee of 1.0 euro will be charged for each incomplete form.

How are bird feather samples transported to the laboratory?

Place the bird’s feathers in a clean envelope with clear identification (ring number, chip, etc.) or a plastic bag marked with the sample number. Then send them by regular mail.

Can I store a blood sample in the freezer?

Yes, blood with EDTA or sodium citrate can be stored frozen for a long time. Be sure to defrost slowly again! Store blood in the refrigerator for a short time.

What if it is not possible to obtain DNA from the collected biological material?

We will ask you to repeat the subscription. We prefer blood for repeated collection. In most cases, the customer does not pay for repeating the analysis.

Analysis orders

How can I order an examination?

The examination can be ordered online (for now only dogs, cats) on our website www.slovgen.sk by clicking ONLINE ORDER at the top right or by clicking on this link https://portal.slovgen.sk/login?returnUrl=%2F. You can find the procedure for filling out an online order here:

https://slovgen.sk/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/HOW-TO-MAKE-ONLINE-ORDER-2022-EN.pdf

If you do not want to order online, fill out the examination request for each sent sample, which you can find in the section: Our services – Order forms for download. https://slovgen.sk/en/downloads-order-forms/

It is also possible to order an examination by sending an e-mail to info@slovgen.sk. The processing of a paper order or an email order is charged according to our price list, which is available on the website. https://slovgen.sk/en/5301-2/

How to fill out an online order for dogs, or cats?

You can find the procedure for filling out an online order here:

https://slovgen.sk/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/HOW-TO-MAKE-ONLINE-ORDER-2022-EN.pdf

You will receive a receipt notification as soon as the samples have been received by the laboratory.

Why is it better to use our database instead of paper orders?

Creating an online order is very easy and fast. It will allow you to choose the appropriate analysis for the given breed and to check all the data you have entered about the individuals before sending the order. You can continuously check the status of your order in the database and download the results of already completed analyses as soon as the results are approved. You can look up results from previous orders and download them. It is possible to create new orders already from stored samples that you have sent to us in the past. Result logs can be re-downloaded from the database at any time. In case of s language change from SK to EN, it is possible to generate a protocol in English.

How to find out which analysis is suitable for my breed?

Predisposed breeds are always written in the description of the disease, which you can find on our website https://slovgen.sk/en/our-services/dogs/genetic-disorders/ . If you are not sure whether the given analysis is suitable for the breed you keep, or if you did not find it in our offer, contact us by e-mail.

How to make an order for birds?

You can order analyses for birds by mail or e-mail, the order form must include your data and the types of analyzed individuals, the identification of individual individuals with the number of a ring, chip, or otherwise. Form F10 is used to order an analysis to determine gender, and form F14 is used to order an analysis to detect diseases. If you want to order an analysis for both gender determination and virus detection, you must fill out both forms for the given sample.

Who can order an examination?

The laboratory accepts orders from all over the world. You can find the analyses we provide here: https://slovgen.sk/en/5301-2/

Do I have to be a member of a breed club to order an examination?

No, analyses can also be ordered by an owner who is not a member of a breeding club. However, for members of breeding clubs registered with us, we offer a 10% discount on the total price of ordered analyses.

I want to order more examinations. Do I have to deliver a sample for each examination separately?

No, only one blood sample (1-3 ml of blood in EDTA, depending on the test tube) or two swabs of the oral mucosa (2 brushes) is sufficient for all examinations. For birds, one blood spot is sufficient to determine the sex of both PBFD and APV.

Can I deliver samples to the lab in person?

Yes, you can bring samples in person between 7-2pm every weekday. Outside of this time, you can leave samples together with a printed online order or a filled-in order form at the reception in a sealed package marked Slovgen. Alternatively, make an agreement by phone at +421 917 819 927 or +421 905 687 005.

Can I have samples taken directly in the laboratory?

Yes, it is possible to collect blood and feathers from birds on the premises of the laboratory. Mucous swabs for dogs and cats are only possible outside the building. Blood sampling from dogs and cats is not possible in the laboratory. The laboratory verifies and confirms the identity of individuals during collection. Arrange the collection in advance on the numbers +421 917 819 927 or +421 905 687 005. Collections are charged according to our price list, which you can find on the website.

How do I request a collection kit to be sent?

Directly in the online order, you can enter a request to send a collection kit or place an online order for collection material only. You can also order collection kits by email or by phone. Always write the species of individuals, the type of kits required, the number of animals/birds and the address to which they are to be delivered. Blood tubes are usually available from doctors, it is not necessary to order them from a laboratory. Subscription kits are shipped free of charge.

Payments for examination

How can the examination be paid for?

Payments must be made only based on the invoice, which is sent by email or post or attached to the online order, after the samples have been received by the laboratory. Payment can be made by bank transfer, deposit to the account, postal order to the address/to the account, PayPal based on a PayPal invoice (a fee is payable), or by payment card (through the PayPal service).

Is it necessary to pay for the examination in advance?

Yes, we will inform you of the test result only after payment. The invoice is sent after the sample is delivered to the laboratory. Always pay for the order based on the invoice. After the sample has been delivered, it is no longer possible to cancel the examination order. If the test cannot be performed, we will ask you for a new subscription or refund your money. One repetition of the test from a new sample is carried out at the expense of the laboratory.

How do vouchers work for birds?

In addition to the standard prices, we also offer you the option of pre-paying vouchers. Vouchers have a discounted price compared to standard analyses. We have vouchers separately for gender determination, separately for the detection of viral diseases and combined (gender + 1 disease/ sample). After choosing a voucher, contact us and we will send you an invoice on which you will also find the voucher number. This number must be indicated on each order form that you will later send with the samples. We will inform you about the balance of samples on your voucher after each order. Each voucher is valid for 1 year from the date of purchase. Vouchers are non-transferable, meaning they can only be used by the person who purchased the voucher.

When can the examination be canceled?

The order can be canceled without a cancellation fee before the samples are delivered to the laboratory by email. Individual analyses can be canceled for a cancellation fee until 2:00 p.m. on the day the sample is received in the laboratory. The cancellation fee is the amount that includes DNA isolation (for dogs/cats 12 euros per sample; for birds 2.5 euros. The first steps of the analysis (DNA isolation) are usually started on the day the sample is delivered to the laboratory, which is why this step is invoiced. After 2 p.m. order cancellation is no longer possible.

Analysis results

Does the lab issue a report on test results?

Yes, analysis reports are issued that have all the necessary details according to the ISO 9001 standard.

How will I know the result of the test? IN DOGS, CATS

You will receive a notification about the end of the analysis by e-mail. After payment and completion of the analysis, you can download the analysis result (a pdf document containing all the necessary details) from the database after logging into your account. We do not send results by email. Protocols are sent by mail only if you chose it when creating an online order or checked them on the order form. Instructions for downloading the results logs can be found here:

https://slovgen.sk/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/HOW-TO-DOWNLOAD-THE-RESULTS-PROTOCOL_2022.pdf

How will I know the result of the test? IN BIRDS

A report on the result of the analysis will be sent by e-mail after payment and completion of the analysis. Paper protocols are sent by mail only if you have checked it on the order form.

How can I download the logs from the database?

To download logs, you need to log in to your account, which you created during registration. Download instructions can be found here

https://slovgen.sk/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/HOW-TO-DOWNLOAD-THE-RESULTS-PROTOCOL_2022.pdf.

If you did not have an account and sent a paper order form, we will create an account for you and send you an invitation with a login name and password, which please change after the first login.

What would I do if I did not receive an invitation?

If you did not receive the invitation, look in your email in all folders, including spam. If you can’t find it, write to us at info@slovgen.sk.

Can the resulting report be displayed in another language?

Protocols are generated in the English language for all customers from abroad except for CZ.

Are the results published somewhere?

In principle, we do not disclose the identity of the tested samples or the results of the ordered tests to third parties, only to the customer who ordered the test. Laboratory workers are bound by a code of ethics and treat all information about the customer, samples, and results as highly confidential.

However, if you sell the analyzed individual and provide the result report to a third party, they can verify the authenticity of the report.

How can I verify the authenticity of the protocol?

On the page https://portal.slovgen.sk/verify you can verify the authenticity of the results protocol for dogs. If your protocol has a QR code in the corner, scan it with your smartphone, or enter the ‘Protocol number’ in the form on the above page. If your protocol does not have a QR code in the left corner, please enter the ‘Protocol Number’ and the animal’s identifier (chip or tattoo number or certificate of origin).

The duration of the analysis

How long does the analysis take in birds?

By default, we perform the analysis within 10 working days. It is possible to order an analysis within 4 working days with an additional fee, according to the price list on our website. If you need a result urgently, it is worth ordering an accelerated analysis, especially in the summer months, as during these months the most chicks are hatched, and we receive large amounts of samples daily. In the winter months, we usually perform analyses faster, i.e., within 5 working days.

How long does the analysis take in dogs?

In the case of analyses for dogs, the duration of the tests depends on the type of analyses ordered. We manage to perform some analyses in 3-5 works. days, for others we need 5-10 works. days. If you need the results urgently, it is possible to order an express analysis, in which case you must pay an additional 30% of the total price of the analysis. If you would be interested in express analyses, please let us know in time.

Complaints

How to proceed when complaining about the amount of the invoice?

If you do not agree with the amount of the invoice for some reason, it is best to contact us before paying it by email or by phone. Enter your name, invoice or order number and your reservations. We will check the amount of the invoice and let you know the result. If a higher amount has already been paid, the difference will be returned to the account from which the payment was made or left as credit for further analyses of your choice. You will be billed for the outstanding balance with a new invoice.

How to proceed with errors in the result protocols?

If you are creating an online order, we ask you to carefully check the data. These data will be indicated in the results reports. If you send a paper order protocol and the order is created in the system by a laboratory employee, check the data as soon as you receive a notification about the creation of the order. If you find any discrepancies, contact us immediately by email at info@slovgen.sk. If the results reports have not yet been issued, the data will be corrected free of charge. If the result reports have already been approved and it is necessary to recall them and issue new ones, they will be charged according to the price list.

FAQ

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Genetic testing in general

At what age is it best to genetically examine animals?