Blood Typing and, later, DNA analysis are tools which have become indispensable to the accurate recording of thoroughbreds worldwide. The ISBC has addressed and agreed protocols and standards whilst overseeing both the introduction of, initially, blood typing and more recently, highly effective DNA comparison testing. These advances have revolutionised the process of recording the birth of foals bringing with DNA certainty over the accuracy of published pedigrees. From 2002 onwards all foals recorded in an Approved Stud Book have been required to be parentage tested.

ISBC also ensures that common and effective standards of laboratory testing are maintained, by requiring certification which is provided by the International Society of Animal Geneticists (ISAG).  Approved Stud Books are required to use a laboratory for the parentage verification of Thoroughbreds which has achieved Rank 1 in the biennial ISAG tests.