The Science of Canine DNA: PooPrints' Expertise
PooPrints is a program created and developed by BioPet Laboratories, a leader in canine genetics. BioPet operates one of the highest-throughput companion animal DNA laboratories in the world and is on the cutting edge of canine genetic research and innovation. With decades of experience and a commitment to scientific excellence, BioPet has made PooPrints the most trusted and advanced DNA-based pet waste management solution available today.
How
How it Works
Every dog carries a unique DNA signature within its cells. During PooPrints registration, a simple cheek (buccal) swab collects a small DNA sample from the pet's mouth. From those cells, our lab extracts genomic DNA and builds a reference profile based on 16 markers (15 microsatellite loci and a gender marker). This is the same scientific principle used in human forensic analysis. (For context, the FBI’s CODIS system historically relied on 13 loci plus a gender marker.) This approach delivers exceptional specificity and confidence in every match.
As waste passes through the digestive system, cells from the dog's intestinal lining are shed onto the surface of the feces. Our scientists extract DNA from those cells using specialized techniques designed to overcome the enzymes and bacteria present in feces. Once the DNA is isolated, it undergoes polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification and capillary electrophoresis — a gold standard in genetic analysis — to determine if there is a Match to a genetic profile on file. This process provides a precise, science-backed answer to which pet the waste belongs to.
Data Comparison and Matching
When a waste sample arrives, it is processed separately from the reference database to ensure complete impartiality. The resulting genotype is then compared against every enrolled dog profile at that property.
For a match to be confirmed, there must be a complete alignment across every allele, with no discrepancies. This rigorous standard makes false positives virtually impossible.
Each match result also includes a Random Match Probability—the likelihood that another dog could share the same genetic profile. Depending on the combination of alleles, this probability can be as low as 1 in 1 million or as rare as 1 in 60 sextillion, providing unmatched confidence in our results.
When a waste sample arrives, it is processed separately from the reference database to ensure complete impartiality. The resulting genotype is then compared against every dog profile at that property.
For a Match to be reported, there must be a complete alignment across every available allele, with no discrepancies. With each Match, our lab provides a probability of the Match based on the profile frequency within the population, also called Random Match Probability. Random Match Probability can be thought of as the probability that another dog in addition to the match identified may display the same genetic profile. This should not be confused with the idea that another dog matches instead of the reported match. Profile statistics are calculated from a population of over 10,000 dogs with unique genetic profiles. This allows us to accurately predict the allele frequency, genotype frequency, and thus profile frequency.
DNA matches must be indistinguishable and contain enough comparative loci to show distinction in a population. This distinction is built into our matching software in terms of our minimum data cutoff. Based on our database and the frequency of the alleles present in a given DNA profile, the probability of another genotype matching in addition to the reported dog having the same combination of alleles, range from 1 in 1 million to greater than 1 in 60 sextillion. This means we can be confident that the generated profile is truly a unique identifier.
Our Laboratory
At PooPrints, we don’t outsource our science. All testing takes place in our state-of-the-art laboratory, operated by BioPet Laboratories, our parent company.
Our lab is accredited under ISO/IEC 17025:2017, the international gold standard for testing laboratories. We maintain rigorous protocols for:
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Sampling, handling, and storage
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DNA extraction and analysis
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Equipment calibration and maintenance
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Data reporting and security
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Staff training and certification
All instrumentation, including our Applied Biosystems 3730 DNA Analyzer, is calibrated and certified annually by accredited providers. Every laboratory analyst completes extensive training and proficiency assessments before processing client samples.
These uncompromising standards ensure our testing is accurate, reproducible, and defensible, supporting communities and property managers with science they can trust.
At PooPrints, we don’t outsource our science. All testing takes place in our state-of-the-art laboratory, operated by BioPet Laboratories, our parent company. Our lab is accredited under ISO/IEC 17025:2017, the international gold standard for testing laboratories. We maintain rigorous protocols for:
-
Sampling, handling, and storage
-
DNA extraction and analysis
-
Equipment calibration and maintenance
-
Data reporting and security
-
Staff training and certification
All instrumentation, including our Applied Biosystems 3730 DNA Analyzer, is calibrated and certified annually by accredited providers. Every laboratory analyst completes extensive training and proficiency assessments before processing client samples.
These uncompromising standards ensure our testing is accurate, reproducible, and defensible, supporting communities and property managers with science they can trust.
Why Choose PooPrints?
PooPrints is the world leader in canine DNA waste management, with millions of profiles processed and unmatched expertise in the field.
Our commitment to scientific excellence and data integrity is why more communities choose PooPrints to keep their properties cleaner, healthier, and more responsible.
Ready to learn more about our laboratory and the science behind our service? Visit BioPet Laboratories or Contact Us.
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