eDNA Analysis

eDNA Analysis

Detection or identification of species from eDNA samples taken from waterbodies such as ponds, lakes, rivers and the ocean. See how our qPCR assays can assist with your next project.

eDNA-based Species Detection

Our eDNA Analysis service can identify if a particular target species or multiple specific target species are present or absent within a waterbody such as a pond, stream or river. eDNA surveys are non-invasive and highly sensitive with the ability to detect very low levels of species presence from a single sample. All results are provided as presence/absence. See our ‘species finder’ for a list of all the species are are able to detect. If you can’t find the species you’re looking for, we still may be able to help. Please check with us first to confirm that your chosen target species is possible to detect via eDNA in our laboratory.

Popular eDNA Services

Buy Your Kit

Buy Your Kit

Our Filter eDNA Collection Kits have been specially designed and optimised to obtain the maximum amount of DNA from a water sample possible.

Filter eDNA Collection Kits (not GCN) £30
By using filters, we can collect DNA from volumes up to 1L (over 10x the amount collected using the ethanol filled tubes for GCN eDNA). Only one Filter eDNA Collection Kit is needed per site, to detect up to four different target species. Mix and match to analyse up to four species including: white-clawed crayfish, signal crayfish, European eel, smooth newt, sea lamprey or any species tagged ‘eDNA’ in our species finder.

GCN eDNA Collection Kit £25
Our GCN eDNA Kits have been carefully designed to make life in the field as easy as possible. All our great crested newt kits comply with the protocol outlined in WC1067. One kit is required for each pond, up to 1 hectare. We can also test for either common frog or smooth newt from the same sample.

Please send samples from either Filter eDNA Collection Kit (not GCN) or GCN eDNA Collection Kit with the relevant completed sample collection form. For advice on collecting quality samples see our detailed instructions or get in touch.

eDNA Prices (not GCN)

One Target Species

£140.00 ex. VAT

Two Target Species

£170.00 ex. VAT

Three Target Species

£200.00 ex. VAT

Four Target Species

£230.00 ex. VAT

There is no need to pre-book your analysis with SureScreen Scientifics, simply send your samples to us and we will email you to let you know when we have received them. The cost of analysis is invoiced to your account (for existing customers) and the results are made available when ready. New customers will need to pay for their analysis upfront before results are sent (for first order only).

Returning Your Kit for Analysis

Returning Your Kit for Analysis

We recommend using a local courier service such as DPD Local who will collect from you directly and deliver to us next working day. All you need to do is make sure your samples are packaged ready for collection. You will simply need to enter the approximate weight of the parcel (GCN kit is 0.5 kg / Filter kit is 0.3kg) and the collection address.

ImportantPlease do not arrange collections on a Friday as your samples won’t reach us until Monday meaning they will be stored in unknown conditions over the weekend so it is best to keep collections to Mon-Thurs for optimal sample quality.

Please send to:
SureScreen Scientifics Ltd, Morley Retreat, Church Lane, Morley, Derbyshire, DE7 6DE.

We also accept hand-delivered kits between 08.00 and 16.00 Monday to Friday, and by appointment 24/7.

There is no need to pre-book standard analysis with SureScreen Scientifics, simply send your samples to us and we will email you to let you know when we have received them.

IMPORTANT: Please call ahead to check availability if wishing to use our 5 working day service

The cost of analysis is invoiced to your account (for existing customers) and the results are made available when ready.

NB: New customers will need to pay for their analysis upfront before results are sent (for first order only)

Popular Species Recommended Survey Seasons

Optimal survey period =
Sub-optimal survey period =

Great Crested Newt

Results for GCN eDNA surveys are only accepted by Natural England if the samples are collected between mid-April and late-June, however, we can analyse samples taken all year round for other applications.

Great Crested Newt icon
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Smooth Newt

Similar to GCN, adults emerge from hibernation on land from late February, returning to freshwater to breed. By October, most smooth newts will be back on land and preparing to hibernate.

Smooth Newt icon
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Common Frog

The common frog is often found in ponds across the UK between February and October. We would therefore recommend sampling is best completed during this period

Common Frog icon
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All UK Crayfish

Due to seasonal weather conditions and changes in crayfish activity over the year, sample collection is best suited to the summer months where crayfish activity levels are higher.

All UK Crayfish icon
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Crayfish Plague

Detectable all year round due to the presence of spores, it is recommended to avoid winter months when extreme weather conditions can cause a dilution of detectable DNA.

Crayfish Plague icon
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European Eel

After spawning, European eels spend around 8 years in UK waters without before leaving for the Sargasso Sea, so we reccomend basing eDNA surveys around the fishing season.

European Eel icon
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Atlantic Salmon

The Atlantic salmon is found in rivers in Wales, Scotland and North and South West England, however, populations have been recently declining

Atlantic Salmon icon
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Carp

Crusian carp and common carp are preset in UK waters all year round. Reccomended sampling time is based around warmer months where both species are more active.

Carp icon
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Sea Lamprey

For best results sample May-September when this species is most active.

Sea Lamprey icon
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Demon Shrimp

Overwintering demon shrimp begin feeding in the spring and reproducing in April. With up to 3 generations produced each year, the breeding seasons finish in October and activity levels drop until the next spring.

Demon Shrimp icon
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Freshwater Pearl Mussel

Freshwater pearl mussels are present in water throughout the year; however, activity levels drop off over winter. In the summer months, individuals are feeding and reproducing which allows a much greater chance of detecting DNA from the water.

Freshwater Pearl Mussel icon
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Resources

FAQs

How many samples do I need to collect?

How many target species can you detect per sample?

Is the test specific to the species?

What about biosecurity?

Who can sample?

Can this analysis prove the absence of my target species for building development?

Is this method approved by Natural England or the Environment Agency?

When is the best time to sample?

What volume of water do I need to filter?

Pond Sample Collection

Stream and River Sample Collection

What are the chances of detecting old/no longer present populations of the target species?

Is eDNA testing more sensitive at detecting presence of a species than traditional methods?

How do I return my kits to the laboratory?

Can’t find what you’re looking for?

There are hundreds more species we can detect. Get in contact to see if the assay for your target species has already been developed, and if it has we’ll be able to detect it for you.

Note: For non routine targets we may need to buy the primers specifically for you, this may take a few days and may incur the cost price of the primers depending on the number of analyses required.