Do not clean the ear prior to collecting a sample. The more material collected on the swab the better. Ideally, collect as much material as possible using the QSM™ swab before collecting samples for any other test or removing debris from the ear to inspect with an otoscope.

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If your dog will not let you touch its ear, this is a sign that the dog is experiencing a lot of discomfort and/or pain. Please take your dog to the veterinarian to have them collect the sample for you.

Cats are very particular about where they go to the bathroom. If your cat urinates next to the litter box when you are using our supplied material, you can use the dropper to collect the urine and put it in the collection tube to ship to us. Our test distinguishes environmental bacteria on the ground from pathogenic species that cause infections. If your cat refuses to urinate anywhere, then the only option is to take your cat to the veterinarian to have them obtain a sample using cystocentesis.

Cytology and urinalysis samples are inspected under a microscope to determine if microbes are present. These tests cannot differentiate if the cells that are seen are dead or alive. The first step of the culture test determines if the cells in the sample are alive. So a result that is positive for bacteria on cytology, but negative on culture generally means that the bacteria in the sample are dead. You may see this set of test results when your pet has been taking an antibiotic. It means the medication is working.