eDNA Laboratory Services
Smith-Root offers solutions for laboratory-based qPCR analysis for detection of single targets as well as metabarcoding analysis for surveying aquatic communities. Our relationships with eDNA specific laboratories allow us to offer customers the highest quality services from industry leaders at a guaranteed competitive price. Our customers can rest assured that their samples will be analyzed in a top-rated facility by molecular scientists applying the most advances protocols and methods.
How It Works
Using our eDNA laboratory service is a straightforward process. You collect samples using an eDNA Sampler, eDNA Citizen Scientist Sampler, or any alternative eDNA filtration protocol. Once you have collected your samples with Smith-Root eDNA filters (standard or self-preserving), send us the individually labeled filter samples and we will conduct the appropriate molecular analysis of the DNA content from your filters. The results are provided to you in a report.
Applications
The eDNA laboratory service is designed specifically for detecting aquatic organisms whether they are an invasive, rare, or a species of conservation concern. If you would like to detect a single species that may be difficult to capture with traditional aquatic sampling methods (e.g., netting, electrofishing, etc.), then eDNA + qPCR analysis is a good alternative. Species-specific qPCR analysis provides DNA presence/absence detection along with amount of DNA detected. If you are more interested in detecting several species of fish within a body of water, then metabarcoding analysis is an exciting alternative for biodiversity assessment. With metabarcoding, DNA of several different species of fish can be simultaneously detected which makes it a very powerful molecular tool. To determine what application is best for you, please refer to the scenarios below:
Single Species Detection
(e.g., invasive, rare, conservation species)
Steps
- Water collection and filtration
- DNA extraction/purification from filters
- DNA amplification by laboratory qPCR
- Analysis of qPCR results
- Report detailing: species detection (and number of positive replicates) or species not detected
Biodiversity Monitoring
(e.g., taxonomic groups such as "teleost" fish)
Steps
- Water collection and filtration
- DNA extraction from filters
- DNA amplification by universal primer (PCR)
- Next generation sequencing of amplified DNA
- Bioinformatics analysis
- Report detailing: list of taxa detected and the number of associated DNA sequences