Cat cheek swab submission instructions:

A. Before swabbing

It is important that food particles are not captured. Remove food for at least 30 minutes before swabbing.

B. Applicators and applicator labelling

We highly recommend using sterile, cotton-tipped wood applicators for collecting cheek swabs. A box of Dynarex applicators can be purchased inexpensively at Amazon. There are two applicators per sleeve. You will use both to swab a single cat. Using ink or a marker, write the cat’s name of the back of the applicator sleeve exactly how it appears on the Sample Information Form. An alphanumeric sample ID will be assigned when the samples arrive at the lab.

C. Swabbing instructions

1. Remove the applicators form the sleeve. Use one applicator to swab the left cheek and the other to swab the right cheek.

2. Hold the applicator between your thumb and forefinger. Insert the cotton tip between the cheek and gumline, then move the brush back and forward while firmly twirling the brush around with your thumb and forefinger. The cotton tip will contact the surface of the gum and cheek. Avoid having the cat bite the tip during or after the swabbing procedure. 

3. Continue swabbing for 15-30 seconds (5 – 10 back and forth motions) using the same pressure you would use to brush your teeth. Several strokes are necessary to collect enough cells, so be sure to brush for long enough.

4. Repeat steps 2 and 3 on the other side of the mouth using the second applicator.

5. Allow the cotton tips to air dry for 30 minutes, then return them to the labelled applicator sleeve. Drying is an important step to reduce or eliminate bacterial growth during shipping. After drying, tape the end of the applicator sleeve to prevent the applicators from falling out. 

*** Keep in mind that test failures are most frequently due inadequate swabbing or failure to dry the swabs completely. Follow the instructions precisely and contact me with questions if necessary. ***

D. Submitting swabs through the Purrier Portal

Dried swabs can be shipped at ambient temperature. If not sent immediately, store the swabs in a freezer. Please get tracking information on all brush shipments. The status of the swabs will be updated when received at the lab.

If you have questions, please contact Chris Kaelin (kaelin@stanford.edu, 650-954-3993).