Types of Samples
The Repository is accepting and storing three tyes of samples:
- Cheek Swab DNA
- Blood DNA
- Tumor Tissue
These are listed above in increasing order of value to researchers with tumor tissue being the highest value. Each of them also
require different instructions on how to collect and ship them to the Repository at Michigan State University (MSU). It is very
important that the specific instructions be followed for each type of submission which will be detailed below.
Note that we want cheek swab and blood DNA from healthy dogs as well as dogs that may be ill. Tumor tissue is obviously only
from affected dogs.
Help With Submissions
We know you are bound to have questions regarding the submissions. That is why there are two technicians available to help
you through the submission process. Marlee Richter and Sharon Steck will be your best friends helping you with your submissions!
We encourage you to email them at berners@cvm.msu.edu for any questions you may
have regarding the submission of any type of sample. Note that Marlee and Sharon's contact information is repeated at the bottom of
this page and includes their phone and fax numbers.
General Submission Information
You will need the proper collection and shipping materials to get the sample(s) to MSU. Marlee or Sharon can ship you a collection
kit at a very nominal cost. See the MSU web site
for more information. Note that your Vet may already have the necessary supplies and that is fine too as long as the collection
procedures and shipping instructions are followed. Note that Marlee and Sharon's contact information is repeated at the bottom of this
page and includes their phone and fax numbers.
You will also need to fill out and sign a repository submission form
for each dog. These need to be sent in to MSU along with the sample(s).
Some detailed information on collecting each type of sample is provided below. You can also go to the
sample submission page
of the MSU web site for a chart that will walk you through the various types of submissions.
Tumor Tissue Submission
This is without a doubt the most difficult submission as it needs to happen during a period of extreme grief. Your veterinarian must
remove a section of the tumor tissue from your dog shortly after death. Note that if the tumor has not already had a specific pathologigical
diagnosis, you will need two tumor samples removed. The sample that is being submitted to the Repository needs to be placed in a freezer.
This can be a freezer at your vet's or even your own home freezer. You can then take days (or weeks) to get the proper shipping materials
and send the tumor to MSU. Please refer to these instructions
on the MSU web site for more information regarding the collection and shipping of a frozen tumor.
If there has not been a specific pathological diagnosis of the exact type of tumor, the second sample will need to collected as formalin
fixed tissue to submit to a lab for diagnosis. Your vet should be familiar with this procedure. Please refer to these
instructions
on the MSU web site for more information regarding submitting this sample for diagnosis.
One of the confusing issues with tumor submission is that specific diagnosis of the tumor type and submitting a sample to the repository
are two different submissions. If your vet has already had a pathological diagnosis done on the tumor, you do not need to do this again. Simply
submit a copy of the diagnosis report with your submission to the Repository. Please contact Marlee or Sharon
for more information or clarification.
Blood DNA Submission
Blood DNA collection needs to be done in the proper type of tube and kept chilled but not frozen. Please refer to these
instructions
on the MSU web site for more information regarding submitting a blood DNA sample.
Cheek Swab DNA Submission
The important thing to remember about cheek swab submissions is that to prevent DNA contamination, the dog must not have anything to eat
for two hours before the DNA is collected. Water is ok at any time. Please refer to these
instructions
on the MSU web site for more information regarding submitting a cheek swab DNA sample.