PennGen Laboratories
what we do
Hereditary diseases of companion animals are an important problem for clinicians, breeders and owners. More than 900 inherited disorders have been identified in the dog and over 200 in the cat. At PennGen, we offer our customers the option of choosing from either DNA tests or Metabolic tests to better identify inherited and metabolic disorders.
When to choose a DNA test
Choose “DNA Tests” if you would like testing for a specific DNA variant in a specific breed.
- These tests will require either cheek brushes or EDTA blood samples as a source of DNA for the test.
- These tests are possible when a causative variant/mutation or a linked marker is known in a breed.
- These tests are breed-specific.
When to choose a metabolic test
If you suspect a metabolic defect, a storage disease including mucopolysaccharidosis or Fanconi Syndrome in a patient, or you would like to assess the presence of cystine in the urine, please choose “Metabolic Tests”. These tests will require some combination of urine, serum, and/or blood smears for analysis of various metabolites, depending on the suspected disease.
Resources
Learn more about DNA tests, metabolic tests, and genetics for breeders.
Additional Services
Hereditary diseases of companion animals are an important problem for clinicians, breeders and owners. More than 900 inherited disorders have been identified in the dog and over 200 in the cat.
We at PennGen have been at the forefront of identifying and characterizing hereditary diseases in companion animals for more than 40 years, including research to uncover the molecular basis and developing DNA tests for canine and feline genetic diseases.
We are a genetic testing facility operated through the Section of Clinical Genetics and Advanced Therapies (CGAT) as a group of laboratories offering testing for a variety of genetic diseases, metabolic screening for inborn errors of metabolism, and other diagnostic services.
Responsible breeding reduces disease risk. You may be a veteran breeder or someone who is just entering the profession. Either way, it’s important to be as informed as possible about responsible breeding practices.
If you are suspicious of ciliary dyskinesia, please contact the lab at PennGen@lists.upenn.edu or (215) 573-2162 for further information.
Use our WSAVA-supported database of worldwide laboratories to search for available canine and feline DNA-based genetic tests. The database search tool allows you to search by breed, disease, or laboratory.
Director, PennGen Laboratory
Margret L. Casal, DVM, PhD
Professor of Medical Genetics, Reproduction, and Pediatrics
Contact Us
Billing, Payment, Shipping Addresses, and Other Questions
For questions regarding sample collection, submission of tests, and other issues, please first review our Instructions for Sample Submission. Please allow three to four weeks before initiating phone contact regarding your results.
Alternatively, you can send an email to PennGen@lists.upenn.edu.
PennGen Contacts by Test
Room 4018
3900 Delancey Street
Philadelphia, PA 19104
PennGen@lists.upenn.edu
(215) 573-7545
Room 4022
3900 Delancey Street
Philadelphia, PA 19104
(215) 898-5703
PennGen@lists.upenn.edu
Find Us
University of Pennsylvania
School of Veterinary Medicine
3800 Spruce Street
Philadelphia, PA 19104-4539
Staff of PennGen Laboratories
- Michael Raducha, MS
DNA Laboratory Specialist - Erika Lutz, BS
Metabolic Laboratory Specialist
In the email please state:
- Test Requested
- Call Name of Animal
- Owner/Vet or Clinic/Submitter’s Name
- Submission ID from Submission Sheet
- Package tracking number
- Approximate mailing date
We aim to respond to all emails within one business day.