Microbiome Analysis
Sample Collection & Shipping Guidelines
Mouse/Rat Fecal Sample Collection
Following is the procedure for collection of murine fecal samples to be used for characterization of the fecal microbiota via 16S rRNA sequencing.
Materials:
- Sterile toothpicks.
- Autoclaved microisolator cages (completely empty).
- Sterile 1.5 mL Eppendorf tubes.
Procedure:
- Pre-label Eppendorf tubes (one per mouse/rat).
- Sample ID (minimum).
- Treatment group, if applicable.
- Any other metadata you would like associated with the sample.
- Place individual animal in empty autoclaved cage (no bedding).
- Allow mouse/rat to defecate normally and collect the first two fecal pellets per animal into an empty 1.5 mL Eppendorf tube using a sterile toothpick. Close tube securely. Discard toothpick after each animal.
- Place Eppendorf tube containing fecal pellets in -80°C freezer IMMEDIATELY.
- Maintain samples at -80°C until ready to ship. Samples may remain at -80°C for extended periods.
- Ship samples overnight with sufficient dry ice (2-3 day transport time) to ensure the samples stay frozen.
Note: We recommend collection of all samples at the same time of day, preferably in the morning, as the microbiome content varies over the course of the day.
Ship samples to:
Phone Number:
Email:
Fecal Collection and Shipping SOP
for Germ-free Animal Monitoring
Sample Collection & Shipping Guidelines
Germ-free Complete Profile
Feces: Fecal pellets should be collected aseptically and placed in individually labeled sterile tubes.
If testing individual mice/rats, submit fecal pellets from each animal. Two to three pellets per animal is adequate.
If collecting fecal pellets from multiple animals, gloves should be changed and forceps replaced between animals to prevent cross-contamination. Alternatively, forceps can be wiped clean and immersed in diluted bleach (10%) solution for 10 minutes prior to reuse.
Fecal samples should be stored in the refrigerator until ready to send.
Place labeled sample tubes in a styrofoam box and ship overnight to our laboratory. Samples should be shipped on ice packs.
Ship samples to:
Phone Number:
Email:
Have questions or need additional information?
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Sample Collection Kit Request
Please use this form to request Opti-Spot® and Advantage sample collection kits: Opti-Spot® cards, swabs, tubes, or serum vials and diluent. Delivery takes 5-7 days. We suggest ordering supplies to cover 3 months’ worth of testing.
If you have questions about quantities or would like assistance determining items and quantities, please contact us: idexxbioanalytics@idexx.com
Animal Health Monitoring Online Submission Guide
A quick reference guide to Animal Health Monitoring sample submissions in our online portal.
ONLINE SUBMISSION
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