SAMPLE SUBMISSION PROTOCOL

**all consumables may be picked up at room A115 in the DNA building at the times
listed within the body of this protocol

I) SAMPLE PREPARTION FOR SUBMISSION

Scat
Everyone working with scat should be aware of the handling precautions that prevent
exposure to scat borne parasites such as Echinococcus granulosus, the tapeworm that is
responsible for Hydatid disease. Briefly, do not handle very dry scat that may allow the
parasite eggs to become airborne, and keep you face a safe distance away from the scat.
Use gloves. Consult with your supervisor or knowledgeable lab/field crew regarding safe
handling practices.

How to properly collect a scat sample for submission:

- Add 500uL of 1x Lysis Buffer to the tube;
- Swab the scat surface with the swab extensively trying to get as much of the
mucous layer as possible; if possible, target large pieces of mucous and roll the
swab so that the mucous wraps onto the cotton. Avoid penetrating into the scat
since this will increase the amount of non-target DNA included in the sample. If
the scat is very dry you can swab the underside of the scat that has not been
exposed to sunlight, and/or you can moisten the scat with 0.1M Phosphate
Buffered Saline (PSB) solution which helps re-hydrate and thicken the surface
mucosa. You should swab the surface for 30 seconds minimum;
- Add the swab tip into tube with lysis buffer and vigorously swish the swab in the
buffer, trying to dislodge the mucous from the cotton tip. You need to aim to
twist the tip back an forth a minimum of 5 times in the lysis buffer;
- Discard the swab;
- Close the lid and label the tube clearly with your sample tag; and,
- This sample may be kept at room temperature.

II) SAMPLE INFORMATION/DATA FOR SUBMISSION:

**Sample information/data must be always submitted at the same time as the sample
itself.

The information we require from you, with regard to each sample submitted, is:

- The type of sample you have submitted (eg. Hair, blood, etc.);
- The date the sample was collected;
- Who the sample was collected by;
- The co-ordinates where the sample was collected, including the type of co-
ordinates (e.g. decimal latitude/longitude), the NAD and zone.
- Any information that you feel is relevant as to how we process the sample (ie.
Possible contamination, who you think this individual may be related to or be in
the same group as, etc.).