• It is easy to order DNA tests for a pet dog, cat or horse in our webshop. The desired DNA tests are added to your shopping basket.
• You subsequently create a personal account or log in with your existing account.
• You enter the full details for each animal. You can also indicate whether you would like to receive swabs.
• After payment via bank transfer, credit card or PayPal, you will receive an order confirmation by email. The swabs (if requested) are sent by post in the CombiBreed mailing box.
• After sampling, we gladly receive the (clearly marked) DNA sample together with the printed order confirmation (received by email) in the CombiBreed mailing box.
• The progress of the analysis is communicated via email (status update from the webshop).
• The report with the results of the DNA test(s) is added to your personal account in the CombiBreed webshop.

At certain DNA-tests, breeds are indicated because the mutation has been identified in these breeds. A breed can be indicated due to two main reasons. For more information see below:
• Development through scientific research:
Scientific research identifies causal mutations by linking DNA-variation to diseases and/or genetic characteristics. By comparison of the symptoms or characteristics with genetic variation in the DNA, a diagnostic test can be developed. In general, this information is published in a scientific journal. In many cases, these publications refer to limited numbers of breeds.
• Other breeds:
Mutations which have been published in a few breeds may also exist in other breeds. Often this is not published to any further extent in a scientific journal. The occurrence of such mutations in other breeds is highly possible and likely to have a comparable effect.
• Comments:
If a DNA test result indicates that an animal is no carrier of the mutation that causes the relevant disease, it is not a guarantee that that animal will never develop the genetic disease/characteristic in question. Specifically, mutations that cause the same symptoms could occur in other locations in the animal’s DNA.

If a DNA test result indicates that an animal is affected (or carrier), this fact is generally the basis for assuming that the animal will develop the genetic disease/characteristic.

The owner is solely responsible to determine if he/she will have an animal tested based on the above criteria.

We have provided the following information on our website regarding how to interpret DNA tests:

• Results and inheritance.  This page describes the theory of the different inheritances and possible results.
• Interpreting the test results.  This page gives additional general information about how the DNA tests are performed.
• Specific test comments.  This page provides additional information about specific DNA tests.
• Coat colour and coat variation .  We have extensive information and detailed explanations about coat colour and coat variations for the dog, cat and horse species. Due to the complex nature of the information and to enable better interpretation, we have provided an overview of the genes of coat colour and coat variation for each animal species:
  • Dog
  • Cat
  • Horse

• During the collection of the DNA sample, we offer the option to use a ‘Sample Collection Witness Statement’.
• During sampling, a witness present declares that the data of the sample correspond to the data recorded on the order confirmation from the webshop. This is verified by the witness, for instance by means of chip numbers, and is declared on the ‘Sample Collection Witness Statement’ form.
• The report with the results states whether the sample collection has been carried out in the presence of a witness.
• The ‘Sample Collection Witness Statement’ form is available as a PDF on the page Service/Submission Forms
• The form must be sent in the CombiBreed mailing box together with the sample(s) and the printed order confirmation from the webshop order.

The webshop states which sample materials are accepted for each DNA test. We prefer DNA tests to be performed on a buccal swab.

For the dog and cat species, Copan swabs or blood are accepted as sample materials. For the horse species, hair or blood are accepted as sample materials. If you wish to send in other material, we advise you to contact us first.

It is possible to make arrangements with our laboratories as a (breed) association and to offer members of the association a discount for various DNA tests.

In certain cases, we can also offer a breeder or owner a discount if a large number of samples are submitted. Whether a discount is possible depends on the type of test, among other things. Further conditions are that the samples must be ordered within a certain period and that the order has a value of at least €1,000.00. Depending on the tests requested, we will make you a discount offer.

If you or your (breed) association is interested, we would love to hear from you. Please feel free to contact us.