SRY test for athletes

Information about the request for a SRY (sex-determining region Y gene analysis) testing and sample collection as per the Female Athlete Category Test

The sampling for the tests MUST be carried out by a medical doctor.

Please note that we will require a contract agreement with the Association or Federation, who will be the main authority for whom we will report the results and who will order and pay the analysis in advance.

It is also necessary to obtain the informed consent of the sportsmen being tested, which should be ensured by your Association/Federation.

Tests will be made using buccal swabs, this means a swab will be placed in the mouth and samples taken. No needles, no blood tests. No physical examinations. This doctor will also receive the results and inform the athlete of these results.

For the test two samples of buccal swab will be taken – one for analysis, the other as a spare sample.

Sample analysis will be performed by qPCR analysis based on the gb GENETIC SRY (RUO) kit, where the provided result will be SRY positive / SRY negative. Since the kit is intended for research purposes only, GENERI BIOTECH perform the required validated analysis.

Recommendations for the person being sampled

• Approximately 30 minutes before taking the swab, the person being sampled should not brush their teeth, eat, smoke or rinse their mouth.

Information for physicians on the sample collection procedure

• It is necessary to wear medical gloves during sample collection and sample handling.
• Record the specific number of the collection kit you will use. This code will be used to identify the sample in the results report.
• The swab is taken with two collection brushes (second serves as a spare sample).
• Prepare a received collection tubes. The tubes have a specific number so that the origin is anonymized. Do NOT write the person being sampled name or date of birth on the collection tubes.
• Unscrew the cap and place it on the table with the thread facing up. Leave the unscrewed tube in the stand on the table.
• Cut (tear off) the packaging of the collection brush at the end where there are no bristles.
• Remove the collection brush from its packaging without touching the bristles.
• The person being sampled should have their mouth wide open. Insert the collection brush into the mouth on the mucous membrane on one side of the cheek and move it up and down between the upper and lower rows of teeth under pressure. During these movements, also rotate the brush between the fingers. Perform the swab at least 10 times in this way to ensure good sample quality. The pressure with which you press the brush on the mucous membrane should be as great as possible, but such that it does not cause pain. It does not matter for the collection if you touch the gums, teeth or tongue with the brush.
• After the buccal swab collection, immediately insert the brush into the prepared tube with the bristles down. Cut off the brush rod about 2-3 cm above the bristles, taking care not to touch the bristles, and screw on the cap.
• Repeat the procedure to obtain a second collection tube with spare swab sample.
• Place the sample tubes back into the ziplock bag. Keep the samples in the refrigerator (2-8°C) until they are sent to the laboratory.