What happens at the Embark lab?

Learn more about how your sample is processed

Your swab is analyzed at our state-of-the-art, CLIA-certified, dog-approved lab facility. At the lab we extract your pup's DNA and run it on our custom-built genetics chip, which is a proprietary DNA microarray with over 200,000 markers. This chip produces a detailed view of a dog's genome, which we run through our proprietary bioinformatics pipeline—created by the top dog DNA scientists in the world. 

Our partner, Illumina, processes the sample by using the same procedures that they employ for human samples—these procedures meet the established guidelines for human DNA testing.

Your dog’s results go through several steps of verification and quality control.
Whenever we see a questionable result, it is hand-checked by our scientific experts. Our algorithms build the story of your dog, one chromosomal segment at a time. 

If numbers are your thing, we test about 256 quadrillion—that's 500 million times 500 million—unique genetic ancestry combinations for your dog using the latest technology and science. As a result of this hard work, the DNA processing steps typically take about 6–8 weeks; however, we'll send you email updates along the way.

Does Embark Veterinary bank DNA?
We do not offer DNA banking services. However, when you do your testing with Embark, any excess DNA not used for your dog's testing is stored. This stored DNA can be used for future testing on any newly identified disease genes in your dog's breed. Please contact the laboratory before ordering tests on previously tested dogs to make sure we have enough DNA for the tests you are requesting.

Are the Embark tests FDA approved?
At this time, the FDA does not regulate genetic tests for companion animals, so there is no federal requirement for FDA approval on Embark tests. However, Embark has gone above and beyond, and all testing is run in a CLIA-accredited laboratory to ensure proper quality control. Three federal agencies are responsible for CLIA: The Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Center for Medicaid Services (CMS), and the Center for Disease Control (CDC). 

Additionally, throughout the ongoing development of our canine genetic science, we are continuously peer-reviewed and audited by an independent body of experts comprised of leaders in their respective fields. Embark Veterinary continues to work with them to ensure that our science is always world-class.