How Does Testing Work?

The DNA Testing Process is simple and easy to track your tests.

The Steps

Order Test(s)

Mail Sample

Collect Blood Sample(s)

Monitor Sample Status

Submit Sample Data Online

If you are a site member you can go directly to the Shop and order tests. However, if you are new to Silkie Acres DNA Lab, you will need to sign up as a member to order.
Go to the Shop and Select the tests you want to order. Keep in mind there is a bulk discount for ordering 25+ tests. You dont have to use them all at once. They will be on your DNA Dashboard, ready for you to submit the sample(s) when you are ready.
Once you have completed your order you will be able to see your DNA tests available to you on your DNA Dashboard

Items you will need:

Prepping:

Ensure you have a clean place to collect blood
- Cross contamination can affect the results
Cut the coffee filter into a triangle
Sterilize the clippers with alcohol.
- Sterilize clippers between birds and allow alcohol to dry before clipping toe nail
Be sure each bird you will be testing has a unique ID to identify the bird.
- This ID should be a unique ID among your birds.
Write your Bird ID on your ziplock bag.
Put on gloves

Collecting Blood Sample:

Hold your bird firmly to ensure both of your safety
clean the toenail, allowing the alcohol to dry before clipping
Trim the tip of the nail, clipping barely into the quick
Use the pointed end of the coffee filter to soak up the drop of blood
Allow the blood to completely dry before sealing the coffee filter with the blood in the zip lock bag
Apply stypic powder to the birds toenail to ensure the blood has clotted

Between birds:

Once you have ordered tests your dashboard will show the number of tests ordered based on the type of tests you have ordered.
Click on the Submit Sample button
You will be directed to a page to fill out the details for the test
After completing the form, click Submit
You will be redirected back to your dashboard where you will see the Credits have been reduced by 1
Click the menu item matching your test type or scroll down to the Sample section matching your test type to see your test has been submitted
You will receive an email confirming your sample. This email will contain the mailing address for the samples.

Immediately upon submitting your sample details, your DNA Dashboard will list your sample
Each sample will have its own status.
- SENT IN - Sample has been sent from the bird owner to Silkie Acres DNA Lab
- RECEIVED - Silkie Acres DNA Lab has received the sample
- PROCESSING - Silkie Acres DNA Lab is processing the test
- PENDING - Silkie Acres DNA Lab will reach out with questions or concerns
- COMPLETED - The testing is completed and your Test Result is available
When the test is completed you will see the test result as well