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DNA sampling protocol

DNA tissue samples should be taken using the protocols below and submitted to the Molecular Genetics Lab, Pacific Biological Station, Nanaimo. Samples should be submitted with proper labeling and documentation. In 2013 the Genetics Lab began the transition to Whatman paper for the collection of samples. Air drying tissue samples is an effective, cheap, safe, and environmentally friendly method of preserving DNA for molecular analysis. Contact Lab for a supplier of Whatman paper.

Sample sheets

Sample labeling

  1. Whatman sheet sampling instructions (preferred method)
  2. Scale book DNA
  3. Ethanol sampling – individual or bulk sample

DNA tissue sample in order of preference

  1. Adipose punch- all salmon species - easiest for lab to process, sticks best to Whatman Sheets. Chinook and Coho salmon maybe missing adipose because used as external mark for coded wire tags.
  2. Caudal or other fin punch – sticks well to Whatman sheets. Rays can fall apart in bulk vials causing multiple amplification of same fish – works best for individual sample, good for non-lethal sampling.
  3. Scales – slower for the lab to process requires overnight extraction, sampling provides matched DNA and scale age.
  4. Operculum punch – can delaminate in bulk sample causing multiple amplification of same fish, works best for individual sample, can damage gills if live sampling, harder to process in the lab

Alternative tissues

Contact us

Molecular Genetic Laboratory

Pacific Biological Station
3190 Hammond Bay Road
Nanaimo, BC V9T 6N7

John Candy:

Liane Stenhouse:

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