TITLE: Skin Biopsy Protocol (Mammals): Non-lethal Sampling
AUTHORS: sanaz.arenivas, justin_bohling, comizzolip, mhouck, racheljohnston, Jacquelyn Mountcastle, Budhan Pukazhenthi, phil.purdy, brian_small, seth_willey

[DESCRIPTION]
Version date: January 2023

The following protocol illustrates how to collect and ship living tissue from a mammalian species under field conditions for long-term cryopreservation. Skin tissues are optimal for harvesting live fibroblast cells that can either be immediately cryobanked at -196°C, or processed for cell culture and later cryobanked at -196°C.

To print this protocol: Click the arrow to the right of the "MORE" button at the top of this page and select the option to print or download as PDF version. 

References: 
Coyner, K.S. (2011). Skills Laboratory: How to perform a skin biopsy. DVM306. https://www.dvm360.com/view/skills-laboratory-how-perform-skin-biopsy
Hackworth, C. (2021). Skin Punch Biopsy: An overview for the Veterinary Nurse. Kansas State Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory. https://www.ksvdl.org/resources/news/diagnostic_insights_for_technicians/august2019/skin-punch-biopsy.html
Houck, M. L., Lear, T. L., & Charter, S. J. (2017). Animal cytogenetics. In The AGT Cytogenetics Laboratory Manual (pp. 1055–1102). https://doi.org/10.1002/9781119061199.ch24
Trans Ova Genetics. (2022). Trans Ova Livestock Cloning. https://transova.com/service/cloning-services/
ViaGen Pets & Equine. (2021). Emergency Pets Protocol – U.S. Clients. https://www.viagenpets.com/emergency-pets/
White, C. L., & Dusek, R. J. (2015). Wildlife specimen collection, preservation, and shipment. In J. C. Franson, M. Friend, S. E. J. Gibbs, & M. A. Wild (Eds.), Techniques and Methods. US Geological Survey. https://doi.org/10.3133/tm15c4

[BEFORE_START]
Tissue Handling 
Biopsied tissues are stored at 4°C in vials containing a nutrient-rich media to keep the cells alive and a mixture of antibiotics to prevent bacterial growth. If vials with media are not readily available, biopsies can be placed in a sterile saline and kept at 4°C. All samples must be collected under aseptic conditions to avoid contamination. Using sterile tweezers, scalpels, and scissors, as well as cleaning the sampling site will decrease the chances of contamination. Collect as many samples as possible.
 
Cold Storage
Avoiding temperature fluctuations is very important for preserving the tissue samples. Use ice packs for transport of specimens from the field and ensure refrigeration is available immediately after returning from the field site. Do not use wet ice or other commercial therapeutic packs. Chill ice packs in the freezer the night before collection. Frozen ice packs will remain cold in an insulated container for up to 24 hours. If the field site is more than 24 hours from refrigeration, plan to bring a portable electric refrigerator.  Vials containing tissue should not have direct contact with the ice packs. Never freeze tissue biopsies before shipping to a biobanking facility.

Shipping
Samples must be shipped to a biobanking laboratory via overnight express. You must use an insulated container and ice packs to maintain a temperature between 4-8°C. Considering that samples may be in queue at the receiving facility for a period of time before they are processed, ship your samples as soon as possible. Shipment Monday through Wednesday will guarantee arrival at the receiving facility before the weekend. Do not ship samples on Friday. Most facilities will not be available to receive shipments on weekends. If samples are collected Thursday through Sunday, samples must be stored in the fridge until Monday. Consult with the receiving biobanking facility for any questions regarding shipping timelines before sending samples. 

[GUIDELINES]
Skin biopsies can be taken when animals are immobilized for veterinary exams, radio-collaring, relocation, capture and release for captive breeding, and ear tagging. The collection of samples should be opportunistic and follow all applicable regulations.

Biopsies must be larger than 3mm3 to yield enough living fibroblasts cells for the eventual creation of cell lines. For large mammals, 5 or 6 mm biopsies are recommended. For very small mammals, 2 or 3 mm biopsies are recommended. Collect at least two biopsies per individual from different locations on the body.  Collecting two samples per individual increases the chances of successful biobanking in case one sample is not successful. Only for very small mammals can one sample per individual be collected. 

Biopsied tissues are stored in vials containing a nutrient-rich media to keep the cells alive and a mixture of antibiotics to prevent bacterial growth. Include only one biopsy sample per vial. If you are running low on materials, up to two biopsy can be including in one vial. DO NOT mix biopsies from different individuals in the same vial. 

[STEPS]
SECTION: Preparation
1. Pre-chill icepacks in the freezer the day before planning to collect and ship samples.
SECTION: Preparation
2. Record all information indicated in the biopsy form, including a picture of the animal for identification and GPS location where the animal was found. 
SECTION: Preparation
3. For general sedation, anesthetize according to standard practices(refer to Handbook of Wildlife Chemical Immobilization by Terry Kreeger). For local anesthesia, use what is most appropriate for the species at hand. Avoid use of injection or topical lidocaine. Bupivacine is recommended. 
SECTION: Preparation
4. Shave sampling area with hair trimmer, removing as much hair as possible. Ear punches are most preferred for collection, but biopsies can also be collected from the neck, flank, or lower abdomen. Skip this shaving if the area (e.g. ear) is too small to trim.
SECTION: Preparation
5. Soak gauze with rubbing alcohol and rub shaved sampling area to thoroughly disinfect. Chlorhexidine may also be used in addition to alcohol to disinfect. 

Discard used gauze. Reserve some clean gauze for use later.
SECTION: Tissue Collection
6. Remove the biopsy vials with media from the kit and have them readily available. There are different methods for obtaining skin biopsies. The table below indicates the recommend size and number of biopsies for small and large mammals. Select the biopsy size that is safest for your species: 

 
Next, select the method below that is most appropriate for the species being handled:
SECTION: Tissue Collection
7. Apply CELOX hemostatic agent to stop the bleeding and antibiotic ointment to sampling area. For larger biopsies, a suture may be needed. 
SECTION: Tissue Preservation
8. Using the disposable tweezers, immediately transfer skin piece to biopsy vial. Ensure that tissue is fully submerged in liquid. Close the cap tightly.  Each biopsy should be placed in a separate vial. 
SECTION: Tissue Preservation
9. Using an alcohol-resistant marker, label the biopsy vial with an identifier that matches exactly what is indicated on the biopsy form. Check to make sure that each vial is easy to identify with the information provided on the form. 
Required information to include on the form: 
Scientific name of animal
Sex of individual denoted as ♂ (male) or ♀(female)
Date of tissue collection
Tissue type
Any other identification number of individual
SECTION: Tissue Preservation
10. Add a thin layer of Parafilm around the vial covering the seal.  

How to apply Parafilm: 
 


SECTION: Tissue Preservation
11. Place samples on cold ice packs in an insulated cooler for transport back to your facility. Use the insulated Tupperware to transport your vials. If you do not have the Tupperware on hand, use about 3 inches of newspaper or bubble wrap to ensure that the tubes are not in direct contact with the ice packs. Do not freeze samples. 

**Do not ship samples via overnight express on Thursday-Sunday. For samples collected on these days, store samples upright in a refrigerator until you are ready to ship them**
SECTION: Shipping
12. When you are ready to ship the samples, make sure the ice packs are frozen ahead of time.
Below are video instructions on how to pack your box:
 

SECTION: Shipping
13. Open the shipping box and place one frozen ice pack at the bottom of the styrofoam container inside.
Photo credit for the following photos: ViaGen Pets & Equine, 2021
 
  

SECTION: Shipping
14. Place the biopsy vials inside the insulated Tupperware container included in your kit. If you do not have the insulated Tupperware container, wrap each vial in bubble wrap or newspaper and secure with tape to avoid direct contact with the icepacks. 

  


SECTION: Shipping
15. Close the lid and place the Tupperware container into the vinyl lunch bag provided in your kit. 

   



SECTION: Shipping
16. Place the vinyl lunch bag into the styrofoam container, on top of the first ice pack. 

  

SECTION: Shipping
17. Place the second frozen icepack on top of the vinyl lunch bag. 

  

SECTION: Shipping
18. Close the lid to the styrofoam container. Enclose all paperwork to the top, including the Biopsy Form. Close the shipping box and place the prepaid shipping label to the top. 

  



SECTION: Shipping
19. Contact the receiving facility when you have shipped your sample and provide the tracking number so that personnel know when to expect your shipment. 
SECTION: Tissue Collection
7. Apply CELOX hemostatic agent to stop the bleeding and antibiotic ointment to sampling area. 
SECTION: Tissue Preservation
8. Using the disposable tweezers, immediately transfer skin piece to biopsy vial. Ensure that tissue is fully submerged in liquid. Close the cap tightly.  Each biopsy should be placed in a separate vial. 

SECTION: Tissue Preservation
9. Using an alcohol-resistant marker, label the biopsy vial with an identifier that matches exactly what is indicated on the biopsy form. Check to make sure that each vial is easy to identify with the information provided on the form. 
Required information to include on the form: 
Scientific name of animal
Sex of individual denoted as ♂ (male) or ♀(female)
Date of tissue collection
Tissue type
Any other identification number of individual
SECTION: Tissue Preservation
10. Add a thin layer of Parafilm around the vial covering the seal.  

How to apply Parafilm: 
  

SECTION: Tissue Preservation
11. Place samples on cold ice packs in an insulated cooler for transport back to your facility. Use the insulated Tupperware to transport your vials. If you do not have the Tupperware on hand, use about 3 inches of newspaper or bubble wrap to ensure that the tubes are not in direct contact with the ice packs. Do not freeze samples.  

**Do not ship samples via overnight express on Thursday-Sunday. For samples collected on these days, store samples upright in a refrigerator until you are ready to ship them**
SECTION: Shipping
12. When you are ready to ship the samples, make sure the ice packs are frozen ahead of time. 
Below are video instructions on how to pack your box:
 

SECTION: Shipping
13. Open the shipping box and place one frozen ice pack at the bottom of the styrofoam container inside.
Photo credit for the following photos: ViaGen Pets & Equine, 2021
 
  

SECTION: Shipping
14. Place the biopsy vials inside the insulated Tupperware container included in your kit. If you do not have the insulated Tupperware container, wrap each vial in bubble wrap or newspaper and secure with tape to avoid direct contact with the icepacks. 

  


SECTION: Shipping
15. Close the lid and place the Tupperware container into the vinyl lunch bag provided in your kit. 

   



SECTION: Shipping
16. Place the vinyl lunch bag into the styrofoam container, on top of the first ice pack. 

  

SECTION: Shipping
17. Place the second frozen icepack on top of the vinyl lunch bag. 

  

SECTION: Shipping
18. Close the lid to the styrofoam container. Enclose all paperwork to the top, including the Biopsy Form. Close the shipping box and place the prepaid shipping label to the top. 

  



SECTION: Shipping
19. Contact the receiving facility when you have shipped your sample and provide the tracking number so that personnel know when to expect your shipment. 
SECTION: Tissue Collection
7. Apply CELOX hemostatic agent to stop the bleeding and antibiotic ointment to sampling area. For larger biopsies, a suture may be needed. 
SECTION: Tissue Preservation
8. Using the disposable tweezers, immediately transfer skin piece to biopsy vial. Ensure that tissue is fully submerged in liquid. Close the cap tightly.  Each biopsy should be placed in a separate vial. 

SECTION: Tissue Preservation
9. Using an alcohol-resistant marker, label the biopsy vial with an identifier that matches exactly what is indicated on the biopsy form. Check to make sure that each vial is easy to identify with the information provided on the form. 
Required information to include on the form: 
Scientific name of animal
Sex of individual denoted as ♂ (male) or ♀(female)
Date of tissue collection
Tissue type
Any other identification number of individual
SECTION: Tissue Preservation
10. Add a thin layer of Parafilm around the vial covering the seal.  

How to apply Parafilm: 
 

SECTION: Tissue Preservation
11. Place samples on cold ice packs in an insulated cooler for transport back to your facility. Use the insulated Tupperware to transport your vials. If you do not have the Tupperware on hand, use about 3 inches of newspaper or bubble wrap to ensure that the tubes are not in direct contact with the ice packs. Do not freeze samples. 

**Do not ship samples via overnight express on Thursday-Sunday. For samples collected on these days, store samples upright in a refrigerator until you are ready to ship them**
SECTION: Shipping
12. When you are ready to ship the samples, make sure the ice packs are frozen ahead of time. 
Below are video instructions on how to pack your box:
 

SECTION: Shipping
13. Open the shipping box and place one frozen ice pack at the bottom of the styrofoam container inside.
Photo credit for the following photos: ViaGen Pets & Equine, 2021
 
  

SECTION: Shipping
14. Place the biopsy vials inside the insulated Tupperware container included in your kit. If you do not have the insulated Tupperware container, wrap each vial in bubble wrap or newspaper and secure with tape to avoid direct contact with the icepacks. 

  


SECTION: Shipping
15. Close the lid and place the Tupperware container into the vinyl lunch bag provided in your kit. 

   



SECTION: Shipping
16. Place the vinyl lunch bag into the styrofoam container, on top of the first ice pack. 

  

SECTION: Shipping
17. Place the second frozen icepack on top of the vinyl lunch bag. 

  

SECTION: Shipping
18. Close the lid to the styrofoam container. Enclose all paperwork to the top, including the biopsy form. Close the shipping box and place the prepaid shipping label to the top. 

  



SECTION: Shipping
19. Contact the receiving facility when you have shipped your sample and provide the tracking number so that personnel know when to expect your shipment.