Sample Collection Guide
Follow these steps carefully to collect and ship your samples. Proper collection ensures accurate results.
⚠️
Only proceed once your order is accepted. Submit your order request first from the dashboard, wait for acceptance confirmation, then follow this guide.
✅ What You'll Need
PCR tubes with attached lids
Scissors or nail trimmers
Alcohol wipes or sanitizer
Small ziplock bags
Pen and paper for labeling
Small box or padded envelope
1
Label Each Sample First
Before handling any birds, write a numbered list with each bird's identifying info — breed, leg band color, or any note you need. Number your PCR tubes (1, 2, 3…) to match. This prevents mix-ups once you start collecting.
2
Collect the Blood Sample
Gently hold your bird and trim just the very tip of one toenail — enough to draw a couple small drops of blood. Let the drops fall into the lid of the open PCR tube (not the tube itself).
Keep the lid flat and still. Blood pools naturally in the lid and transfers when you close it.
3
Secure the Sample
Close the PCR tube lid firmly and place the sealed tube into a small labeled ziplock bag. Write the matching number on the bag.
4
Sanitize Between Birds
Before moving to the next bird, wipe your scissors or nail trimmers with an alcohol wipe and allow them to air dry. This prevents cross-contamination between samples.
Do not skip this step — contaminated samples may produce inaccurate results.
5
Package & Ship
Place all ziplock bags into a small box or padded envelope. Ship to the address below. Fresher samples are always better, but there's no strict deadline once samples are collected.
Ship to: Melana Bailey · 3087 Palomino Way · Hollister, CA 95023
Questions? We're here to help.
If anything's unclear or something doesn't look right with your samples, reach out before you ship.