From the moment you rub the swab on your pet’s cheek, a countdown full of anticipation begins. It is natural to ask yourself: how long does a dog DNA test take to be analysed?
Although we all want the answers immediately to discover their breeds or look after their health, the reality is that your pet’s sample undertakes a meticulous scientific journey. At Koko Genetics, we care not only about speed but about maximum precision. So that you can understand every stage, from the extraction of the genetic material to the reading in our laboratories, we explain in detail how the pet DNA test works.
Step 1: Receipt and registration
Once you send the kit, our first mission is to receive it at the laboratory and register it. Each sample has a unique code that guarantees traceability. In this phase, we check that the amount of genetic material collected on the swab is sufficient to ensure a high-quality analysis.
Step 2: Extraction and purification
Here begins the real science. In the laboratory, we use specific reagents to “break” the cells collected from your dog’s saliva and release the DNA. This extraction process separates the genetic material from other molecules (such as proteins or food remnants). The result is a pure and transparent DNA sample, ready to be “read”.
Step 3: Reading on the Microarray
This is the most technological step. The DNA is placed on a genotyping chip or microarray, which contains thousands of probes designed to identify specific genetic markers. This is where we decipher the information regarding their ancestors, their physical traits and their predisposition to diseases. It is a high-precision process that allows for no shortcuts if we want to be the most exact.
Step 4: Bioinformatic analysis
Once we have the raw data, our powerful algorithms come into action. We compare your dog’s DNA against our database, which contains hundreds of breeds and thousands of genetic variants. Our genetics experts supervise this process to interpret the results and convert them into the detailed report you will receive.
Step 5: The moment of truth
Finally, the report is generated and uploaded to your private area. We will send you an email notifying you that your pet’s secrets are now available.
Why is it worth the wait?
regarding the question, how long do I have to wait to obtain the results? It usually ranges between 4 and 6 weeks from when we receive the sample. Although we understand the impatience, it is necessary to meet Koko Genetics’ quality standards. A quick but inaccurate analysis would not help to look after your pet’s health; a rigorous analysis will.