OFA DNA Disease Testing

This page last updated November 18, 2009

!!! Important Notice for Customers Ordering DNA Based Tests !!!

The FTA cards which are used to collect the DNA samples for laboratory processing are currently out of stock and back ordered. The manufacturer is unable to provide an estimated ship date. As a result, the OFA is temporarily suspending acceptance of any new orders. As soon as we get a firm ship date, we will post the information and resume order processing. Orders already accepted and in the queue will be processed as soon we receive the FTA cards. We appreciate your patience during this delay.

For owners with an immediate need, please visit the University of Missouri website at: www.CanineGeneticDiseases.net. Until we can resume regular processing, the DNA tests are available directly through the U of MO based on blood submissions.

The OFA now offers DNA based disease testing through an exclusive license arrangement with the University of Missouri. 

Order OFA DNA Test

Check Status of an existing order

FTA Card Submission Guidelines

Tests are ordered online through the secure area of the OFA website. Payment is accepted online by credit card (MasterCard and VISA). The OFA administers all order handling. Upon receipt of an order, the OFA will send out the test kit which will include an FTA card for DNA sample collection, along with sample collection instructions. Using the FTA card technology, owners can safely collect DNA samples at home. The collection process is non-invasive, and no veterinary appointment is necessary.

Samples are then sent to the University of Missouri College of Veterinary Medicine where the samples will be processed by the Veterinary Diagnostics Laboratory. Results will be forwarded to the OFA, and the OFA will issue the resulting report to the owner.

The fee for each test is $65 and includes the test kit, laboratory processing, and subsequent registration in the OFA databases.

Current Tests Offered:

NCL - Neuronal Ceroid Lipofuscinosis - test available for American Bulldogs

For more information on NCL, please visit the University of Missouri website
(http://www.caninegeneticdiseases.net/CL_site/basicCL.htm)

FAC - Fanconi Syndrome - test available for Basenjis

For more information on Fanconi, please visit the University of Missouri website
(http://www.caninegeneticdiseases.net/Fanconi/basicFAN.htm)

NEwS - Neonatal Encephalopathy with Seizures - test available for Standard Poodles

For more information on NEwS, please visit the University of Missouri website
(http://www.caninegeneticdiseases.net/ataxia/Atx-main.htm)

PLL – Primary Lens Luxation - Dogs of any breed may be tested for PLL. We recommend testing for the following breeds: Australian Cattle Dog, Chinese Crested, Jack Russell Terrier, Lancashire Heeler, Miniature Bull Terrier, Parson Russell Terrier, Rat Terrier, Sealyham Terrier, Tibetan Terrier, Welsh Terrier

For more information on PLL, please visit the University of Missouri website
http://www.caninegeneticdiseases.net/GLX/mainGLX.htm

Owners who had submitted samples for research prior to Sept 1, 2009 may request test results for their dogs using the following form from the University of Missouri:
http://www.caninegeneticdiseases.net/GLX/PLLt-rq.pdf

PLL Test Result Statistics

DM – Degenerative Myelopathy – The DM test is available for any breed, and is specifically recommended for Bernese Mountain Dogs, Boxer, Cardigan Welsh Corgi, Chesapeake Bay Retriever, German Shepherd, Pembroke Welsh Corgi, Rhodesian Ridgeback, Standard Poodle.  For information on DM testing other breeds, please click on the link below

DM Research Publication in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences

For more information on DM, please visit the University of Missouri website
(http://www.caninegeneticdiseases.net/DM/ancmntDM.htm)

Click here for more information on DM for other breeds

A free DNA test for DM is available for some dogs. Click here for details

Explanation of DM DNA Test Results

Breeder Guidelines for dogs who test DM Carrier (N/A) or DM At Risk (A/A)

DM Test Result Statistics