How can genetic testing be used?

• Save years of time by promptly validating your breeders
• Enhance your sales by marketing Pos Hets as 100% Het
• Confirm that your acquisitions were accurately represented
• Uncover genes in your lines that you were previously unaware of
• Identify traits in BEL or Asphalt/Gravel/YB offspring
• Determine the sex of your pet

How are the results presented?

For every gene evaluated, the outcomes will be classified as homozygous, heterozygous, or absent. In the case of related gene tests, if you are aware of the specific gene you are examining based on lineage, then a single gene test will suffice. For instance, you may choose to test for Candy while excluding Albino, or YB while omitting Gravel. Nevertheless, in situations of doubt, it is advisable to conduct both tests. We have observed that customers frequently misjudge this more than they realize.

What is the process?

• Please send us a message, and we will respond regarding the process.
• Include animals and tests in your order and proceed with the purchase.
• We will send you an email containing instructions for mailing your sheds to RGI.
• You will receive an email notification once the test results are finalized, which can be accessed on your Ordered Tests page.

Does this require me to use ExoticAnimals to buy & sell?

Not at all. To place an order, you will require a free ExoticAnimals login, which can be established in approximately 2 minutes, similar to the process on any other website. There is nothing in this system that necessitates you to buy and sell animals on ExoticAnimals.

There are two options to select animals for testing:

• The initial step involves the creation of new animals belonging to a specific species. These animals will be incorporated into your ExoticAnimals Animal Manager as PRIVATE, non-commercial entities. You have the option to modify any information related to these animal records, or you may choose to disregard this if you prefer.
• The alternative is to select animals that are already present in your Animal Manager.

How should I prepare and preserve the sheds?

The primary adversary to the DNA found in shed skin is water, humidity, or moisture. To preserve the utmost quality of DNA in your sheds, please follow these steps:

1. Observe attentively for the shed and extract it from the cage at the earliest opportunity.
2. Flatten the shed and eliminate any sections that are soiled or deteriorated.
3. Store the shed in a dry location and permit it to dry thoroughly for one or two days.
4. Insert the shed into a zip lock bag and secure it.
5. Remember to label the bags to avoid confusing the sheds.

Provided that this is executed correctly, the DNA in the shed can remain viable for several months to years, even at ambient temperature! Conversely, if a shed is left in a damp cage shortly after it has been shed, the DNA may be compromised.

How long is the wait time?

The projected turnaround time for each test is:

• Ball Python Single Exotic Tests: 1-2 business days
• 45 Exotic Animals Panel Test: 3-5 weeks
• Build Your Own Panel: 1-2 business days.
• Mini-Exotic Panel Tests: 1-2 business days.
• Sex Determination Tests: 3-5 business days.
• Other Single Exotic Tests: 1-2 business days.

How does pricing work?

The cost of exotic tests decreases considerably when a greater number of exotic tests are conducted per animal. Conducting the complete Exotic Panel, which includes all available tests, offers the most advantageous value. At present, acquiring all available exotic tests for an animal is less than double the cost of testing a single gene. Although the price of the panel will rise slightly as additional exotic tests are included, the increase will not be significant.

Why are the prices different than in the past?

The prices displayed are set by RGI. As a reseller, ExoticAnimals cannot offer the tests at a price lower than what is presented here.

What is the Desert Ghost Test?

As of October 25, 2023, the Desert Ghost test is no longer classified as an ‘elimination’ test. It is now applicable for two genes, DGa and DGb, due to its polygenic nature.

Previously, the original RGI test for Desert Ghost in Ball Pythons was an elimination test. It boasted a 97% accuracy rate in confirming that an animal does NOT possess the mutation, yet it only achieved an 85% accuracy rate in confirming that it does possess the mutation.

The prices for these tests have seen a slight increase, primarily attributed to the rising costs associated with RGI’s testing procedures. As we are all aware, inflation and supply chain challenges have contributed to the overall increase in expenses.

When will more tests be available?

RGI plans to introduce additional tests on a monthly basis. At present, we are focused on the Ball Python Exotic Identification for Desert Ghost, Hypo, Super OD/OD, YB, Ultramel, among others.

Will these tests be available for more species?

Indeed. Sex determination tests are currently accessible for various species. Venomous sex tests are in development and will be offered on our website in the future. We are eager to introduce sex and morph tests for additional species. At this time, we are uncertain about which species will be addressed next.

The sole limitation is that these tests cannot be utilized for sexing species that exhibit temperature-dependent sex determination, such as Leopard Geckos and Bearded Dragons. These species may experience sex reversals when incubated at extreme temperatures, rendering the genetic information an unreliable indicator.

Are these tests available outside the United States?

We are pleased to assist international clients; however, each nation has its own regulations regarding the export of sheds. If you can determine the legal process for importing the sheds to the US, we will conduct the necessary tests!