GenoTube Livestock, the non-invasive nasal swab developed by Prionics, is a simple and convenient tool for DNA sample collection from an animal’s nostrils. The unique GenoTube design ensures that DNA contained in the sample remains stable for years at room temperature. GenoTube can be also used for various other applications.

Selective breeding schemes are increasingly being used to improve farm animal breeds. A prerequisite for genotyping and sequencing of DNA samples is the recovery of high yields of intact genomic DNA. Furthermore, it is important that the DNA sample is immediately well preserved and remains stable without cooling during transport and storage until it can be analyzed in the laboratory.

Complete drying of the sample with GenoTube
Prionics offers the GenoTube Livestock, a product of the forensiX product line. The GenoTube Livestock is a non-invasive tool for collecting DNA from the nostrils of cattle, horses and other animals. The product is easy to use and doesn’t require any special training for taking swabs. After a smear is taken, the swab is placed back in the tube, where the sample is dried completely and the contained DNA is stabilized. One of the greatest advantages of this product is that the complete mummification of the sample  means that the tube can be transported and stored at room temperature (i.e. no refrigeration required). The DNA in the sample remains stable and will not degrade even after long term storage. The amount of DNA taken by the swab is sufficient enough for testing with all methods available on the market. The GenoTube Livestock is routinely used with the Illumina chip technology and gives results comparable to those provided through blood sampling.

Suitable for various applications
Due to the good preservation of nucleic acids, including RNA, and its easy handling, GenoTube can be also used for various applications such as sampling for animal diseases (e.g. Influenza or FMD), feces sampling or DNA sampling in pets for the detection of genetic disorders.