Guide to submitting HCM samples
Vet submission
If you want your negative HCM results to go on the FAB HCM negative register you must have the samples taken by a vet who will confirm the cat's identity using its microchip number. You can download a submission form here, which you can take to your vet for them to complete.
Owner submission
Owners can submit samples directly to the laboratory for HCM testing. Please be aware that negative HCM results will not be eligible for entry on the FAB HCM negative register.
- You will need a cotton-tipped swab for each cat. Please complete this form to request swabs OR use a Q-tip see here.
- To take a buccal mucosal DNA swab see here.
- Either download, complete and print the submission form OR complete the online submission form. Cats do not have to be microchipped or registered, but if you want the microchip and registration numbers to appear on the certificate please include these on the submission form.
- Payment can be by cheque made payable to Langford Veterinary Services Ltd. and included with the swabs OR using our online secure credit card payment system. Test prices can be found here.
- Send the swabs and submission forms (either paper form or online submission print out) to us:
Diagnostic Laboratories
Langford House
Langford
North Somerset
BS40 5DU
UK
- Once we have received the samples and the test has been run (see here for test schedules) we will send you the certificates. Copies will also be faxed to your vet if you have supplied this information on the submission form.
- For help with interpreting the results please see here
Further information
- Taking a buccal mucosal DNA sample
- Genetic Tests for Cats: What the Practitioner needs to know.
- More information about Maine Coon and Ragdoll hypertrophic cardiomyopathy can be found on the Feline Advisory Bureau website
- To see the number of cats we have screened with our HCM QPCR tests and the percentage carrying the mutation click here