Sample Collection & Shipping Instructions

Follow these instructions to collect your sample, then review the rules and shipping info below.

How to Take a Blood on Paper Sample

Blood on paper is our most popular method. It is simple, low stress for the bird, and shelf-stable once dry, so it does not need to arrive at the lab within a specific window.

What you’ll need

  • Toenail clippers (regular human clippers are fine)
  • Alcohol wipes or rubbing alcohol
  • Styptic powder (to stop bleeding)
  • Disposable gloves
  • Coffee filters or plain printer paper only (see rules below)
  • One small zip-lock bag per bird

Step by step

  1. Set up. Pick a clean, well-lit spot and lay everything out before you pick up the bird.
  2. Sterilize. Put on gloves. Wipe the clippers with alcohol.
  3. Pick a toenail. A smaller, thinner toenail bleeds well and is less stressful for the bird.
  4. Calm the bird. Hold gently but firmly. A second person to hold is very helpful if the bird is wiggly.
  5. Clip just below the quick. Allow a small drop of blood to form.
  6. Transfer the blood. Touch the drop directly to the coffee filter or printer paper. Get 2 to 3 good drops in roughly the same spot.
  7. Stop the bleeding. Dip the toenail in styptic powder, then hold pressure for a minute or two.
  8. Let it dry completely before bagging. Damp samples can mold in transit.
  9. Bag and label. Place the dry sample in its own zip-lock bag. Write the Bird ID on the bag.
Sending it inPlace all bagged samples in a regular mailing envelope. Write your order number on the outside. Do not tape the envelope shut.
Blood on Paper must be on coffee filters OR plain printer paper. Nothing else.
OK to use
Clean coffee filters, plain white printer paper.
Do NOT use
Paper towel, toilet paper, napkins, tissue paper, cupcake wrappers, parchment paper, or used coffee filters.
Anything other than the two listed materials will either fall apart, contaminate the sample, or refuse to hold the blood properly, and we will not be able to run the test.
Rules that apply to every sample type
  • Do NOT tape your envelopes shut. We have to open them. Tape tears the envelope and can damage the samples inside.
  • Write your order number on the OUTSIDE of your envelope or package. You do not need to use the QR code — the order number by itself is enough. This is the single best way to prevent your order from being delayed or mixed up.
  • One bird per bag. Each bird gets its own labeled zip-lock bag with its Bird ID exactly as you entered it on the website. Do not combine birds, even siblings from the same hatch.
  • Do not reuse Bird IDs for multiple birds in the same order.
Ship all samples to:
The Silkie Lab
740 Shaw Road
Bailey, MI 49303

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