Sample Instructions – Alcohol Fixed Sample Collection

ALL CONTRIBUTIONS ARE STRICTLY CONFIDENTIAL – ALL CATS CAN PARTICIPATE!

Testes & Ovaries

Blood or tissue samples are generally required for gene hunting projects. Testicles and ovaries can be used from cats that are being altered. Veterinary clinics that would like to collect many samples for the diversity project may find this protocol useful. Complete ovaries and testicles can be stored in 70% alcohol in a leak-proof vial. The ovaries and testicles should be sliced open to allow penetration of the alcohol. Many samples can be stored and then shipped at one time. Serum (red top) tubes can be used to store and ship the samples. Other containers can also be used. Do not put more than one ovary or testicle from different cats in the same container!

Instructions for sending alcohol fixed samples:

Samples do not need to be sent by overnight courier and should be fixed for at least several days prior to shipment.

Tissues should be sectioned for complete penetration of the alcohol into the tissue.

You must package the sample as described below, thus be prepared with the packaging.

Notify the lab that the sample is being shipped. Please provide your contact information, especially your own phone and or e-mail address, so that we can notify you of the sample’s arrival.

Please include details on the sample, such as a pedigree and project information. Many samples come to the lab and may be processed by various individuals. Samples should be listed as random bred or the cat’s breed.

Packaging Instructions:

Place the container with the tissue in a zip lock baggie with paper towels.

Place the sample(s) in a small box.

The sample(s) can be sent by regular mail and at room temperature.

Seal the sample in the box.

Blood and tissue samples for DNA can also be packaged with the alcohol fixed samples. Freezing or chilling will NOT damage the alcohol fixed tissues. Review the packaging information for blood samples and for tissue samples.

Mail samples to:

Leslie A. Lyons, PhD
Department of Veterinary Medicine & Surgery
College of Veterinary Medicine
E109 Vet Med Building, 1600 E. Rollins St.
University of Missouri – Columbia
Columbia, MO 65211
Lab Phone: 01 573 884 2287, Lab e-mail: felinegenome@missouri.edu

Reimbursement for sample collection:

Many projects have special funding thus the cost for the collection of samples for these projects can be re-imbursed. Re-imbursement can be made directly to the owner or the veterinary clinic. The owner will have to provide a proper mailing address, phone number and social security number to be established as a vendor by the university. Re-imbursement should take only a week or so. Re-imbursement can also be made directly to the veterinary clinic if they will accept a payment after the procedure. Invoices should be sent with the samples or by a separate mailing.

All samples are for research purposes only. Any donations of sampling costs and shipment expenses is greatly appreciated!