Submitting Blood or Dew Claws

Genetic testing protocol

The Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory encourages the submission of samples through your veterinarian, and the reporting of results to them. Direct involvement of your veterinarian allows for optimal management of this genetic disease as well as other concurrent medical conditions your dog may have that will affect its management. If owners would also like a copy of the report sent directly to them for their records, please include the owner's email address in the Result Reporting section of the submission form. Please complete the form online and print it out. This greatly decreases the chance for typos in the report, and helps keep administrative costs down. Complete the form with all the required information on the dogs to be tested.

For VPI (verified permanent identification) level registration with OFA (PDF), a permanent ID must be verified and signed off by the attending veterinarian on the submission form. Please do not send OFA database forms or fees to the VDL.

Sample collection

Whole blood samples are preferred, but dew claws from newborn pups can be submitted as a convenience to reduce the risk of stress on the pup.

  • Whole Blood -Draw 1-3 ml into a LAVENDER-TOPPED EDTA TUBE clearly labeled with the dog's and owner's name. Do not spin or extract serum. Invert the tube several times to prevent clotting. Do NOT put tape over the cap of the tube.
  • Dew Claws (NEWLY WHELPED PUPPIES ONLY) - Place the pair of removed dew claws into either an empty RED-TOPPED TUBE (preferred) or a small ziploc bag labeled with a unique identifier (such as collar color) and the owner's name. The removal instrument should be wiped free of visible blood/tissue between pups. Dew claws may be stored in the freezer if you are waiting on the results of parents before testing.

Packing and shipping

It is recommended that you request a tracking number for your submission package with your shipping company of choice.

Please list all dogs on the submission form.

  • Whole Blood -Place blood tubes in a ziploc bag or in a hard plastic container, such as a pill bottle. If you are sending multiple tubes, each must be sent in its own bag or container to prevent contamination in the event a tube breaks. Cushion in between samples with bubble wrap, newspaper or paper towels. Please do not use styrofoam peanuts.
  • Dew Claws - If you are sending glass containers, place the tubes in a ziploc bag and cushion in between samples with bubble wrap, newspaper or paper towels. Please do not use styrofoam peanuts.

If you are sending glass collection tubes you MUST send in a padded, leak-proof container, NO ENVELOPES!

Ship to arrive within 7-10 days to the address below. Shipment should be scheduled so that it will NOT arrive during a weekend or holiday period.

Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory
University of Minnesota
1333 Gortner Ave
St. Paul, MN 55108
Phone: (612) 625-8787

If you are shipping samples from outside the United States, please review these USDA Guidelines for Importation (PDF).