FAQ
Most frequent questions and answers
chXout® is a UK‑based wildlife DNA testing service specialising in bird sexing, species identification, parentage testing, ecological eDNA analysis, and non‑human forensic genetics. The service is operated by Complement Genomics Ltd, a long‑established molecular biology laboratory based at the Durham Genome Centre in Lanchester, County Durham.
chXout® provides DNA bird sexing, bird species identification, peregrine profiling, beaver sexing, pigeon parentage testing, environmental eDNA analysis, and identification of birds, bats, newts, fungi, and plants. These services support breeders, pet owners, ecologists, conservation professionals, and environmental monitoring projects.
DNA bird sexing analyses genetic markers from feathers, blood, or eggshell membrane to determine if a bird is male or female. chXout® typically provides results in 2–3 working days and can test a wide range of bird species, including non‑dimorphic species that cannot be visually sexed
You can send eggshell membrane, plucked feathers, or a small blood sample. Samples must be clean, dry, and sealed securely. Wet or powdery samples increase the risk of inconclusive results, so proper drying and labeling are essential before posting.
Turnaround times vary by service. DNA bird sexing typically takes 2–3 working days during peak season. Other services, such as species identification or eDNA testing, may take longer depending on sample type and laboratory workload.
Species identification uses DNA sequencing to match a sample—such as feathers, tissue, fungi, or environmental residue – to known genetic markers. chXout® uses markers like ITS regions, D1/D2 LSU, or TEF‑1α to identify organisms accurately across birds, fungi, plants, insects, and more.
Environmental DNA (eDNA) testing detects species by analysing genetic material shed into the environment, such as water, soil, or air. chXout® provides eDNA services including great crested newt analysis and air‑sampling techniques for ecological and biosecurity monitoring.
Yes. Free sampling kits for bird sexing and other wildlife DNA services can be requested online. Kits are dispatched via Royal Mail and are available for feathers, blood, and eggshell membrane samples. Clients submitting many samples may receive automatic seasonal kits.
Place your labelled, sealed samples in protective packaging with your client reference and submission form. Send them to:
chXout®, The Durham Genome Centre, Park House, Station Road, Lanchester, DH7 0EX.
Ensure correct postage to avoid delays.
chXout® works with bird breeders, falconers, pet owners, ecologists, conservationists, researchers, and professionals in environmental monitoring. Many clients return annually for breeding‑season testing due to reliability and long‑standing customer relationships.
Yes. chXout® is operated by Complement Genomics Ltd, a UK laboratory with over 20 years of DNA testing experience. The company is highly rated, features verified Trustpilot reviews, and never sends samples overseas for analysis.
Yes. chXout® conducts DNA testing for beavers, bats, newts, fungi, plants, and more. The laboratory also offers microbial and pathogen detection, environmental air sampling, and supports conservation and research projects.
Yes. chXout® provides parentage testing for pigeons and raptors to confirm lineage or breeding records. This service is commonly used by breeders and falconry professionals.
chXout® is UK‑based and conducts all testing within the UK. They emphasise that samples are never sent overseas, ensuring secure and local processing.
You can contact the team via email at [email protected], by phone at 0191 543 9448, or by visiting the Durham Genome Centre, Park House, Station Road, Lanchester, DH7 0EX.
