How long does it take to receive Embark DNA test results?

The turnaround time is about 6–8 weeks in most situations.

When should you expect your results? About two months after we receive a sample.

What happens with the sample? When a sample is received by our lab, the solution on the swab is mixed with various chemicals and copied by a process called Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR), which replicates millions of copies of DNA for analysis—we call those pieces of DNA “markers." 

Once we have the amplified DNA markers, we analyze the information from those markers and compare it to our reference database. During that comparison process, the results for the DNA markers from your dog are compared with DNA marker information from thousands of purebred dogs. This matching process is performed on a computer through a sophisticated program that repeats the analysis thousands of times to assure an accurate result. This process allows us to determine if a dog is purebred or if the dog is mixed-breed—and it allows us to tell what breeds make up a mixed-breed dog.

We then have several qualified professionals, including veterinary geneticists, college professors, and PhDs in genetics, hand-check the results. The end result is a clinically-valid determination of breed, health, and traits for your dog.

With additional information, will the time to complete tests be affected?
Adding new tests will not increase our turnaround time beyond what it is currently.

Why does the test require 6–8 weeks?
We thoroughly check every result in our quality assurance pipeline. Embark tests are the most advanced genetic analyses commercially available for dogs at this time. The full process to extract the DNA, identify your dog’s DNA markers, and analyze the results against the extensive Embark database is done in a very deliberate and careful manner.

This is why our test takes longer than other dog DNA tests. We are sorry about the wait, but we want to provide you with the most information with the best service.

The disease tests that Embark offers are finalized as a result of rigorous scientific analysis of specific mutations determined to meet medical diagnostic needs. Although there are no currently accepted laboratory standards and/or regulations that must be achieved in performing various required tests for canine genetic testing, Embark has adopted all relevant human diagnostic standards based on clinical requirements by national or state agencies—including the Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA ’88). Embark complies with those requirements as well as the scientific testing requirements to achieve quality products and services that are needed for the canine medical community. As part of our commitment to high medical standards, we confirm that our test results are accurate and reliable by using two independent methods for each disease test we perform. 

Turnaround time is determined by the complexity of your dog's breed mix. For purebred dogs, we can return results much quicker—closer to 4–6 weeks.

The notice to view your results will be immediately emailed as soon as everything is ready, and we provide frequent updates throughout the process at each stage.