Sample Collection & Shipping Guide¶
Welcome to the SENO Avian Genetic Test sample collection and shipping guide. This document serves as the central hub for all collection protocols, shipping procedures, and quality assurance standards used by the SENO avian genetics laboratory.
About SENO's Laboratory¶
SENO operates a dedicated avian genetics laboratory that accepts biological samples from birds shipped to our facility from over 20 countries worldwide. Our laboratory performs DNA sexing, genetic disease screening, DNA fingerprinting, and pathogen detection using validated molecular workflows optimized for avian samples.
Accepted Sample Types¶
SENO accepts three primary sample types for genetic analysis. Each sample type has specific advantages, collection requirements, and stability profiles.
| Sample Type | Primary Uses | Shipping Requirements | DNA Yield |
|---|---|---|---|
| Freshly plucked feathers | DNA sexing, genetic screening | Room temperature, paper envelope | Medium |
| Blood (FTA card, EDTA tube, filter paper) | DNA fingerprinting, disease testing | Room temp (FTA card) or cold pack (EDTA) | High |
| Swab (oral/cloacal with stabilization buffer) | Disease testing, pathogen detection | Cold pack recommended | Medium–Low |
Sample Comparison Overview¶
Choosing the right sample type for your test is critical. The table below compares key attributes across all accepted formats.
| Attribute | Feather | Blood (FTA card) | Blood (EDTA) | Swab (stabilized) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Invasiveness | Minimal | Moderate | Moderate | Low |
| Difficulty | Easy | Moderate | Advanced | Easy |
| DNA yield | Medium | High | Highest | Low–Medium |
| Room temp stability | Up to 90 days | Years | 7 days | 14 days |
| Best for sexing | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes | Limited |
| Best for disease | Limited | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes |
| Requires special supplies | No | Yes (FTA card) | Yes (tube, needle) | Yes (stabilization kit) |
Document Index¶
Each document in this guide covers one aspect of the collection and shipping process in detail.
| Document | Key Content | Recommended For |
|---|---|---|
| Feather Collection | Plucking technique, follicle inspection, species-specific counts, packaging for shipment | Routine DNA sexing and genetic screening |
| Blood Sample Protocol | Venipuncture methods, FTA card procedure, toenail clip alternative, safety precautions | High-DNA-yield tests, DNA fingerprinting |
| Swab Collection | Oral swab technique, cloacal swab procedure, stabilization buffer handling, disease testing | Pathogen detection and disease screening |
| International Shipping | Customs forms, DHL/FedEx/UPS guidelines, permitted sample categories, CITES considerations | International submitters (20+ countries) |
| Sample Storage & Stability | Temperature guidelines, DNA degradation data, short-term and long-term storage, shipping conditions | All sample types before shipment |
| Quick Reference Card | At-a-glance tables for collection, storage, and shipping timelines | Field veterinarians and experienced submitters |
Shipping Carriers and Destinations¶
SENO works with three major international carriers to ensure reliable sample delivery from anywhere in the world.
| Carrier | Typical Transit Time | Tracking Feature | Customs Support |
|---|---|---|---|
| DHL Express | 1–3 business days | Real-time tracking included | Automated customs clearance |
| FedEx Priority | 1–3 business days | Signature-required delivery | Commercial invoice support |
| UPS Worldwide | 2–4 business days | Proactive notifications | Broker-assist available |
Quality Assurance Standards¶
SENO maintains strict quality controls throughout the sample collection and analysis pipeline. All submitted samples are subject to the following quality checks:
- Sample integrity inspection — Visual inspection upon receipt for contamination, desiccation, or mold
- DNA quantification — Spectrophotometric assessment of DNA yield and purity (A₂₆₀/A₂₈₀ ratio)
- PCR inhibition screening — Internal control amplification to detect inhibitory substances
- Species confirmation — Genetic marker verification for target species
- Chain-of-custody documentation — All samples tracked from receipt to result reporting
Tests Offered by Sample Type¶
Different genetic tests at SENO require different sample formats. The recommended sample type varies by test category.
| Test Category | Preferred Sample | Acceptable Alternatives | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| DNA Sexing | Freshly plucked feathers | Blood (FTA card), swab | Feathers provide > 98% success rate |
| Disease Screening (individual) | Swab (oral + cloacal) in stabilization buffer | Blood (EDTA or FTA card) | Swab preferred for respiratory/enteric pathogens |
| DNA Fingerprinting / Parentage | Blood (EDTA or FTA card) | Feathers, blood filter paper | Blood provides highest resolution for microsatellite analysis |
| Species Identification | Feathers or blood (FTA card) | Swab | Any sample with intact DNA works |
| Pathogen Strain Typing | Swab (stabilized) | Fresh tissue | Requires high-quality RNA/DNA |
| Post-mortem / Necropsy | Fresh tissue or swab | Blood | Tissue must be collected within 4 hours of death |
Suggested Reading Path by Role¶
First-Time Submitter (Veterinary Clinic)¶
Start with the Sample Collection & Shipping overview, then read the protocol specific to your chosen sample type. Review the Quick Reference Card for a condensed summary.
Experienced Laboratory Technician¶
Focus on the Blood Sample Protocol for detailed FTA card and venipuncture procedures, and the Sample Storage & Stability guide for temperature management during transit.
International Shipper / Customs Broker¶
Begin with International Shipping for permits, declarations, and carrier selection. Use the Quick Reference Card for at-a-glance customs documentation requirements.
Avian Disease Researcher¶
Use the Swab Collection protocol for standardized pathogen sampling. Refer to Sample Storage & Stability for RNA preservation requirements.
Common Sample Rejection Reasons¶
SENO tracks sample quality upon receipt. The most common reasons for sample rejection are listed below.
| Rejection Reason | Affected Sample Types | Prevention |
|---|---|---|
| Feather mold from plastic bag storage | Feathers | Use paper envelopes only |
| Insufficient DNA (shed feathers) | Feathers | Pluck fresh; verify follicle bulb |
| Hemolyzed blood | Blood (EDTA) | Gentle collection; avoid vigorous mixing |
| Buffer leakage from swab tube | Swabs | Tighten caps; tape cap-to-tube junction |
| Cross-contamination between birds | All types | Change gloves between birds |
| Improper labeling or missing ID | All types | Label immediately after collection |
| Delayed shipment (> 4 weeks at room temp) | Feathers, swabs | Ship within 2 weeks of collection |
| Frozen FTA card (damages paper matrix) | Blood (FTA card) | Store at room temperature |
| Missing submission form | All types | Check contents before sealing package |
Turnaround Time Expectations¶
| Sample Type | Processing at Receiving | Extraction & QC | Analysis | Total TAT (Business Days) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Feathers | 1 day | 2 days | 3–5 days | 6–8 days |
| Blood (FTA card) | 1 day | 1 day | 3–5 days | 5–7 days |
| Blood (EDTA) | 1 day | 1 day | 3–5 days | 5–7 days |
| Swab (stabilized) | 1 day | 2 days | 3–7 days | 6–10 days |
| Tissue | 1 day | 2 days | 3–7 days | 6–10 days |
Turnaround times begin from the business day after sample receipt at SENO's laboratory.
Before You Submit¶
- Confirm the test type with your SENO representative to select the correct sample format
- Review the collection protocol specific to your chosen sample type
- Prepare the shipping package according to the international shipping guidelines
- Complete the submission form with accurate bird identification and owner details
- Ship early in the week (Monday–Wednesday) to avoid weekend delays in transit
- Notify SENO of the shipment by emailing the tracking number and courier details
Contact Information¶
| Department | Contact Method | Availability |
|---|---|---|
| Sample Receiving | samples@seno-genetics.com | Mon–Fri, 08:00–18:00 UTC+8 |
| Technical Support | support@seno-genetics.com | 24-hour email response |
| Shipping Coordination | shipping@seno-genetics.com | Mon–Fri, 09:00–17:00 UTC+8 |
Related Resources¶
- Feather Collection Protocol — Detailed instructions for feather sample collection
- Blood Sample Protocol — Venipuncture and blood spot collection methods
- Swab Collection Protocol — Oral and cloacal swab procedures
- Sample Storage & Stability — Storage guidelines and DNA stability data
- International Shipping Guide — Cross-border shipping and customs procedures
- Quick Reference Card — Summary tables for all collection and shipping parameters
- Sample Collection & Shipping Index — This document (central hub)
Last updated: July 2026. SENO Avian Genetic Test laboratory protocols are reviewed quarterly. Always refer to the latest electronic version on the SENO portal.