Before You Submit

• Use the correct collection container for the requested test.
• Label all specimens clearly.
• Store specimens at the appropriate temperature.
• Include a completed submission form with every submission.
• Ensure all required information is completed (clinic, owner, animal ID, requested tests).

Blood Specimen — Whole Blood

Container
Lavender-top EDTA tube

Collection

• Perform venipuncture using standard clinical technique.
• Gently invert tube 10–15 times immediately after collection.

Recommended
Prepare two air-dried blood smears if the sample will not reach the laboratory the same day.

Label

• Animal ID
• Owner name
• Collection date

Storage

• Refrigerate EDTA blood
• Store smears at room temperature in a slide holder

Blood Specimen — Serum

Container

• SST (Serum Separator Tube)
• RTT (Red Top Tube)

Preparation

1. Allow blood to clot.
2. Centrifuge at 3000 g for 10 minutes.
3. Transfer serum to a clean tube if needed.

Label

• Animal ID
• Owner name
• Collection date

Storage
Keep serum refrigerated until submission.

Urine Specimen

Container: Sterile screw-cap container

Collection

• Use the clinic’s preferred urine collection technique.

Label

• Animal ID
• Owner name
• Collection date
• Method of collection

Storage

• Keep urine samples refrigerated until submission.

Fecal Specimen

Container

• SAF container or sterile screw-cap container.

Label

• Animal ID
• Owner name

Storage

• SAF samples: room temperature
• Unpreserved samples: refrigerated

Note
DNA (PCR or molecular) tests typically require unpreserved samples collected in a sterile screw-cap container.

 Always confirm specific sample requirements in the Test Directory prior to collection.

Microbiology Specimens

Collection Technique

• Collect specimens before administering antibiotics whenever possible.
• Use sterile equipment and aseptic technique.

Specimen Container

• Use the appropriate transport system for the specific specimen type.

Labelling
Label containers with:

• Animal ID
• Owner’s name
• Collection site or method

Storage

• Refrigerate specimens immediately after collection to prevent overgrowth.
• Do not refrigerate blood or fluid culture specimens — these should be submitted to the laboratory immediately.

Submission Form

Every specimen must be accompanied by a completed submission form.

Please ensure:

All required information is completed, including:

• Submitter (clinic) information
• Owner’s name
• Animal identification
• All requested tests or profiles are clearly selected.
• Relevant notes or clinical history are included when applicable.
• Portal submissions: Print the submission form generated by the portal and include it with the specimen.
• Paper submission forms: Ensure that all handwriting is clear and legible.
• Place the completed form inside the specimen bag with the sample.

Some tests performed by external reference laboratories may require additional forms.

Specimen Pick-Up

To arrange transport of specimens to the laboratory:

• Contact customer support to schedule a pick-up.
• Specify whether the request is routine or STAT.
• Place the specimen submission in the designated HealthGene lock box for collection.

Avian DNA Sexing — Blood Collection Protocol

Proper specimen collection and handling are essential to ensure accurate DNA sex determination. 

Follow the guidelines below when collecting and submitting avian blood specimens.

Before You Submit

Before sending specimens to the laboratory:

• Use the correct collection method and specimen container.
• Clearly label all specimens.
• Ensure specimens are stored appropriately prior to submission.
• Include a completed submission form with every submission.
• Verify that bird species information is provided accurately.

⚠️ Accurate bird species identification is essential for DNA sexing, as species-specific genetic controls are used during the testing process. Missing or incorrect species information may result in delayed or inconclusive results.  

⚠️Improper collection, contamination, clotting, or insufficient sample volume may result in testing delays or inconclusive results. 

Blood Card Submission

Recommended Specimen

Blood applied to an approved DNA collection card / blood card.

Collection Guidelines

Blood collection should be performed using proper avian handling and restraint techniques to minimize stress and contamination.

Recommended Collection Sites

Common venipuncture sites include:

• Right jugular vein
• Medial metatarsal vein
• Basilic (ulnar/wing) vein

Site selection should be based on:

• Bird species
• Bird size
• Temperament
• Collector experience

Standard Blood Collection Procedure

• Use sterile needles and collection equipment.
• Collect a small amount of fresh blood.
• Apply blood directly onto the designated collection area of the blood card.
• Completely saturate the collection circle when possible.
• Avoid oversaturating or layering excessive blood.
• Allow the blood card to air dry completely before packaging.
• Do not stack wet cards together.

Clipped Nail Technique (Small Birds)

For small avian species, blood may also be collected using the clipped nail technique.

Procedure

• Clean the nail prior to collection.
• Using a sterile nail clipper, trim the nail slightly beyond the quick until a small blood droplet forms.
• Apply the blood droplet directly onto the blood collection card.
• Avoid excessive clipping of the nail.
• Apply styptic powder or gentle pressure if needed to stop bleeding.

Packaging

• Place each dried blood card into an individual paper envelope or plastic bag.
• ⚠️Do not place moist blood cards into sealed plastic bags. !!
• Do not package specimens from multiple birds together unless individually identified.

Labelling

Clearly label each specimen with:

• Bird identification
• Species (e.g.: chicken, lovebird, falcon, macaw, cockatiel, etc.)
• Owner’s name

 ⚠️ Bird species information is critical for accurate DNA sex determination, as species-specific controls are utilized during testing. 

Storage

• Store dried blood cards at room temperature in a dry environment.
• Keep specimens away from excessive heat, moisture, and direct sunlight.

Whole Blood Tube Submission

Accepted Specimen

Whole blood collected in:

• Lavender-top EDTA tube (preferred)
• Green-top lithium heparin tube

Collection Guidelines

Blood collection should be performed using proper avian venipuncture technique.

Recommended Collection Sites

Common venipuncture sites include:

• Right jugular vein
• Medial metatarsal vein
• Basilic (ulnar/wing) vein

Collection Procedure

• Use sterile needles and collection equipment.
• Properly restrain the bird to minimize stress and movement.
• Collect blood gently to reduce hemolysis.
• Avoid excessive suction during collection.
• Apply pressure to the collection site after sampling to prevent hematoma formation or prolonged bleeding.

Sample Handling

• Collect blood into an EDTA or lithium heparin tube immediately after collection.
• Gently invert the tube several times to ensure proper mixing.
• Do not shake the specimen.
• Do not allow the specimen to clot.

Recommended Sample Volume

• Small birds: minimum 1–2 drops
• Medium to large birds: 0.1–0.5 mL whole blood

⚠️ Excessive blood collection should be avoided, particularly in neonatal or small avian species. !!

Labelling

Clearly label each specimen with:

• Bird identification
• Species (e.g.: chicken, lovebird, falcon, macaw, cockatiel, etc.)
• Owner’s name
• Collection date

⚠️ Accurate species identification is essential for proper test interpretation and quality control procedures. !!

Storage

• Keep specimens refrigerated until submission.
• Do not freeze whole blood specimens unless specifically instructed.
• Submit specimens as soon as possible after collection.

Submission Requirements

Every specimen submission must include a completed submission form.

Ensure the form includes:

• Clinic / submitter information
• Owner name
• Bird identification
• Species
• Requested test(s)
• Relevant notes when applicable

Place the completed form inside the specimen bag with the sample.

Important Notes

• Hemolyzed, clotted, contaminated, or improperly stored specimens may result in delayed or inconclusive testing.
• Fresh, properly collected specimens provide optimal DNA quality.
• If no result can be obtained from the submitted blood card specimen, HealthGene offers one complimentary resubmission using a whole blood specimen for repeat testing.
• Naturally dried or environmentally contaminated blood specimens may not yield sufficient DNA for analysis.

Avian DNA Sexing — Feather Collection Protocol

Proper feather collection and handling are essential to ensure accurate DNA sex determination. Follow the guidelines below when collecting and submitting feather specimens.

Before You Submit

Before sending specimens to the laboratory:

• Use clean collection techniques to avoid contamination.
• Submit only freshly plucked feathers with intact shafts.
• Clearly label all specimens.
• Include a completed submission form with every submission.
• Ensure bird species information is provided accurately.

⚠️ Accurate bird species identification is essential for DNA sexing, as species-specific genetic controls are used during the testing process. Missing or incorrect species information may result in delayed or inconclusive results.

⚠️ Naturally molted or contaminated feathers may not contain sufficient DNA for testing.

Accepted Specimen

• Freshly plucked feathers with intact feather shafts (calamus/quill)
• Small to medium-sized chest or body feathers are preferred

⚠️ Naturally shed or molted feathers are generally not recommended.

Collection Guidelines

Recommended Number of Feathers

Submit:

• 2–5 freshly plucked feathers

Ensure that:

• The feather shaft (quill) remains intact
• Tissue or blood residue is visible within the shaft when possible

Collection Procedure

• Wash hands or wear clean gloves prior to collection.
• Gently restrain the bird to minimize stress and injury.
• Using clean fingers or forceps, firmly pluck feathers from the chest or body area.
• Do not cut feathers.
• Do not submit only feather tips.
• Avoid touching the base of the feather shaft directly.

⚠️ The DNA used for testing is primarily located within the feather shaft (calamus). Damaged or missing shafts may result in insufficient DNA yield.

Contamination Prevention

To minimize contamination:

• Change gloves or disinfect hands between birds.
• Use clean collection surfaces and tools.
• Do not allow feathers from different birds to come into contact.
• Avoid contamination with:
  • Blood
  • Feces
  • Food debris
  • Environmental debris

Packaging

• Place each bird’s feathers into a separate clean paper envelope or plastic bag.
• Do not package specimens from multiple birds together unless individually identified.
• Avoid sealed plastic bags if feathers are moist.

⚠️ Excess moisture may promote fungal growth or DNA degradation during transport.

Labelling

Clearly label each specimen with:

• Bird identification
• Species (e.g.: chicken, lovebird, falcon, macaw, cockatiel, etc.)
• Owner’s name

⚠️ Bird species information is critical for accurate DNA sex determination, as species-specific controls are utilized during testing.

Storage

• Store feather specimens at room temperature in a dry environment.
• Keep away from excessive heat, humidity, and direct sunlight.

Submission Requirements

Every specimen submission must include a completed submission form.

Ensure the form includes:

• Clinic / submitter information
• Owner name
• Bird identification
• Species
• Requested test(s)
• Relevant notes when applicable

Place the completed form inside the specimen bag with the sample.

Important Notes

• Contaminated, improperly collected, or low-quality feather specimens may result in delayed or inconclusive testing.
• Freshly plucked feathers provide significantly better DNA yield than naturally shed feathers.

⚠️ If no result can be obtained from the submitted feather specimen, HealthGene offers one complimentary resubmission using a blood specimen for repeat testing.

Avian DNA Sexing — Egg Shell Collection Protocol

Proper egg shell collection and handling are essential to ensure accurate DNA sex determination. Follow the guidelines below when collecting and submitting egg shell specimens.

Before You Submit

Before sending specimens to the laboratory:

• Use clean collection techniques to avoid contamination.
• Submit freshly hatched egg shell membranes whenever possible.
• Clearly label all specimens.
• Include a completed submission form with every submission.
• Ensure bird species information is provided accurately.

⚠️ Accurate bird species identification is essential for DNA sexing, as species-specific genetic controls are used during the testing process. Missing or incorrect species information may result in delayed or inconclusive results.

⚠️ Contaminated or improperly handled egg shell specimens may not contain sufficient DNA for testing.

Accepted Specimen

• Freshly hatched egg shell fragments with attached inner membrane

⚠️ Egg shell membrane is the primary source of DNA used for testing.

Collection Guidelines

Recommended Specimen

• Freshly hatched egg shell pieces
• Shell fragments with visible inner membrane attached

Collection Procedure

• Wash hands or wear clean gloves prior to collection.
• Carefully collect egg shell fragments immediately after hatching when possible.
• Select shell pieces with visible inner membrane attached.
• Avoid touching the membrane directly.
• Do not wash or rinse the shell.
• Allow moist specimens to air dry before packaging if needed.

⚠️ Excess moisture or improper handling may reduce DNA quality.

Contamination Prevention

To minimize contamination:

• Handle one specimen at a time.
• Change gloves or disinfect hands between samples.
• Avoid contamination with:
  • Blood from other chicks
  • Feces
  • Food debris
  • Feathers from other birds
  • Nesting material

⚠️ Cross-contamination between birds may result in inconclusive or inaccurate results.

Packaging

• Place each specimen into a separate clean paper envelope or a plastic bag.
• Do not combine specimens from multiple birds in the same container unless individually identified. 

⚠️ Avoid sealed plastic bags if specimens are moist.. Excess humidity may promote fungal growth or DNA degradation during transport.

Labelling

Clearly label each specimen with:

• Bird identification
• Species (e.g.: chicken, lovebird, falcon, macaw, cockatiel, etc.)
• Owner’s name

⚠️ Bird species information is critical for accurate DNA sex determination, as species-specific controls are utilized during testing.

Storage

• Store specimens at room temperature in a dry environment.
• Keep away from excessive heat, humidity, and direct sunlight.

Submission Requirements

Every specimen submission must include a completed submission form.

Ensure the form includes:

• Clinic / submitter information
• Owner name
• Bird identification
• Species
• Requested test(s)
• Relevant notes when applicable

Place the completed form inside the specimen bag with the sample.

Important Notes

• Contaminated, improperly handled, or environmentally exposed egg shell specimens may result in delayed or inconclusive testing.
• Freshly collected egg shell membranes provide optimal DNA quality.
• Prompt submission is recommended for optimal DNA quality.

⚠️ If no result can be obtained from the submitted egg shell specimen, HealthGene offers one complimentary resubmission using a blood specimen for repeat testing.

Cytology Smear Submission Protocol

Proper smear preparation and handling are essential to ensure accurate cytologic interpretation. Follow the guidelines below when preparing and submitting cytology smears.

Before You Submit

Before sending specimens to the laboratory:

• Use clean microscope slides.
• Clearly label all slides and containers.
• Allow smears to air dry completely before packaging.
• Include a completed submission form with every submission.
• Provide relevant clinical history and lesion description whenever possible.

⚠️ Poor smear preparation, thick smears, moisture exposure, or improper staining may compromise cytologic interpretation.

Accepted Specimen

• Air-dried cytology smears on clean glass microscope slides

Common specimen types include:

• Fine needle aspirates (FNA)
• Impression smears
• Swab smears
• Fluid smears
• Tissue touch preparations

Slide Preparation

General Guidelines

• Use clean, grease-free microscope slides.
• Prepare multiple smears whenever possible.
• Allow slides to air dry completely.
• Do not heat-fix slides.
• Avoid excessive pressure during smear preparation.

⚠️ Thick or crushed smears may reduce cellular detail and diagnostic quality.

Fine Needle Aspirates (FNA)

Collection Procedure

• Use appropriate needle and syringe size for lesion type.
• Avoid excessive suction during aspiration.
• Expel a small drop of material onto the slide.
• Using a second slide, gently spread the specimen to create a thin smear.

Impression / Touch Smears

Collection Procedure

• Blot excess blood or fluid from tissue using gauze.
• Lightly touch the tissue surface to the slide.
• Avoid dragging tissue across the slide surface.

Fluid Cytology Smears

Collection Procedure

• Place a small drop of fluid onto the slide.
• Spread gently to create a thin monolayer smear.
• Additional EDTA fluid samples are recommended when applicable.

Staining

Preferred Submission

• Unstained air-dried smears are preferred whenever possible.

If slides are stained:

• Use high-quality Romanowsky-type stains when available.
• Ensure slides are completely dry before packaging.

⚠️ Do not expose unstained slides to formalin fumes, as this may interfere with staining and interpretation.

Labelling

Clearly label each slide with:

• Animal identification
• Owner’s name
• Collection site
• Collection date

Use a pencil or solvent-resistant marker on the frosted end of the slide.

Packaging

• Place slides in a rigid slide holder for transport.
• Protect slides from moisture and physical damage.
• Do not package loose slides.

⚠️ Formalin containers must be packaged separately from cytology slides.

Clinical History

Provide relevant clinical information whenever possible, including:

• Signalment
• Lesion location
• Duration of lesion
• Previous treatments
• Differential diagnoses
• Relevant laboratory or imaging findings

⚠️ Complete clinical history significantly improves cytologic interpretation.

Submission Requirements

Every submission must include a completed submission form.

Ensure the form includes:

• Clinic / submitter information
• Owner name
• Animal identification
• Collection site
• Requested testing
• Relevant clinical history

Place the completed form separately from slides to avoid damage during transport.

Important Notes

• Thick, poorly prepared, contaminated, or broken smears may result in delayed or inconclusive interpretation.
• Multiple well-prepared slides improve diagnostic accuracy.
• Additional testing or histopathology may be recommended based on cytologic findings.
• Submit corresponding fluid samples or tissue specimens when available for optimal interpretation.

Cytology Fluid Submission Protocol

Proper collection and handling of fluid specimens are essential to ensure accurate cytologic interpretation. Follow the guidelines below when collecting and submitting fluid samples for cytology evaluation.

Before You Submit

Before sending specimens to the laboratory:

• Use the appropriate specimen containers.
• Clearly label all specimens and slides.
• Prepare direct smears whenever possible.
• Refrigerate fluid specimens promptly after collection.
• Include a completed submission form with every submission.
• Provide relevant clinical history and collection site information.

Accepted Specimen Types

Examples include:

• Pleural fluid
• Peritoneal / abdominal fluid
• Pericardial fluid
• Synovial fluid
• Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF)
• Cystic fluid
• Seroma fluid
• Other body cavity fluids

Recommended Specimen Submission

Primary Tube

• Lavender-top EDTA tube (preferred for cytology)

Used for:

• Cellular preservation
• Cytologic evaluation
• Differential cell counts

Secondary Tube (Optional)

• Sterile leak-proof tube / plain sterile container

Recommended for:

• Biochemistry
• Culture and sensitivity
• Additional testing when applicable

Collection Guidelines

Collection Procedure

• Collect specimens aseptically whenever possible.
• Use gentle aspiration technique.
• Avoid excessive negative pressure during collection.
• Minimize blood contamination when possible.
• Transfer fluid promptly into appropriate tubes.

⚠️ Excessive blood contamination may interfere with cytologic interpretation.

Direct Smear Preparation

Direct smears are strongly recommended, especially for low-cellularity fluids such as CSF.

Smear Preparation

• Place a small drop of fluid onto a clean glass slide.
• Use a second slide to create a thin smear.
• Allow slides to air dry completely.
• Do not heat-fix slides.

Labelling

Clearly label all specimens and slides with:

• Animal identification
• Owner’s name
• Collection site
• Collection date

Storage

Fluid Tubes

• Refrigerate specimens immediately after collection.
• Do not freeze unless specifically instructed.

Cytology Slides

• Store air-dried slides at room temperature.
• Protect from moisture and physical damage.

⚠️ Do not expose cytology slides to formalin fumes.

Packaging

• Place slides in a rigid slide holder.
• Use leak-proof secondary packaging for fluid tubes.
• Include absorbent material during transport.
• Package slides separately from formalin containers.

Clinical History

Provide relevant clinical information whenever possible, including:

• Signalment
• Clinical signs
• Collection site
• Fluid appearance
• Previous treatments
• Differential diagnoses
• Relevant laboratory or imaging findings

⚠️ Complete clinical history significantly improves cytologic interpretation.

Submission Requirements

Every submission must include a completed submission form.

Ensure the form includes:

• Clinic / submitter information
• Owner name
• Animal identification
• Collection site
• Requested testing
• Relevant clinical history

Place the completed form separately from specimens to avoid damage during transport.

Important Notes

• Low-cellularity, hemolyzed, or improperly stored specimens may result in delayed or inconclusive interpretation.
• Direct smears significantly improve diagnostic quality and are strongly recommended.
• Additional testing such as culture, PCR, or histopathology may be recommended based on cytologic findings.
• Submit corresponding fluid chemistry or microbiology samples when applicable for optimal interpretation.