Non-invasive sampling methods for genotyping: Improvements towards the 4r principle (2024)

Thasian-Sivarajah, S., Mohr, R., Walter, M. et al.

Abstract

In research involving genetically modified mice which is usually to perform genotyping using invasive ear or tail biopsies in 92% of cases, there is a growing shift towards non-invasive sampling techniques such as oral swabs, hair, faeces and tears. Our European Union (EU) Charles River genetic testing laboratory has successfully tested and proven the efficacy of genotyping using oral swabs (from mice and rabbits) and hair (from mice), aligning with the 4R principle and European regulations. The advantages of using non-invasive methods such as oral swabs and hair instead of biopsies is shown in Figure 1.