DNA analyses carried out by Koko Genetics have a very low failure rate thanks to our advanced technology. However, as we work with real biological material, in exceptional cases it can happen that the sample is invalid. If this happens, you should not worry: it has an easy solution and we will take care of everything.
There are several technical reasons why a genetic analysis may not be successful on the first attempt. The most common reasons are:
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Low DNA concentration: Sometimes, the saliva sample collected on the swabs (cotton buds) does not contain a sufficient amount of buccal cells for us to extract the necessary genetic material.
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Degraded sample: Factors such as external contamination (for example, if the pet had eaten or drunk just before the collection) or problems during preservation can alter the biological quality of the sample.
Our laboratory has rigorous quality control points. Before declaring a sample failed, our scientific team will perform multiple extraction and reading attempts to try to obtain the data. However, if the sample definitely does not have sufficient quantity and quality, we prefer to stop the process; our commitment is to offer you 100% precise and reliable results.
What is the solution if my sample fails? If your sample does not pass the quality controls, the process to follow is very simple and transparent:
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We will send you an email notification to inform you that the sample has failed.
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We will automatically offer you a complete repetition of the DNA analysis at no cost.
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Our customer service team will contact you directly to process the shipment of a new kit to your home, also giving you some useful tips to ensure that the second saliva collection is a complete success.