Frequently asked questions

 
 

  • No. The metabarcoding approach that we use is a powerful method to survey species across the tree of life, from microbes to mammals. However, it will never be able to provide a full biodiversity audit. There are several reasons for this, including:

    • Many species have not yet had their DNA sequenced and deposited into a reference database.

    • Some species share the same DNA barcodes as other closely related species. In this case, if we pick up their DNA barcode in the eDNA we can only identify it to genus level or higher.

    • On each sample we run several different ‘assays’, each of which is a DNA test that targets a specific group of organisms. However, to pick up every single species we would need to run thousands of different assays, which wouldn’t be cost effective. Instead, we have selected an effective ‘panel’ of assays that can pick up a wide range of species from key taxon groups such as fish, mammals, plants, insects and microbes. If you have one or a few species that you are particularly interested in detecting, please reach out to us to check if they are in scope before you order your kits!

    • Some species exude more DNA into the water than others. Fish can be reliably detected using eDNA methods, since they tend to leave lots of DNA in the water as they swim around. On the other hand, birds tend to leave very little DNA in the water, since they only bathe and/or poop in the water occasionally (with the exception of ducks and pukeko, who defecate profusely!). As such, we don’t recommend using standard aquatic eDNA kits as a primary survey method for terrestrial species like bats, birds, stoats or lizards. Other eDNA methods are in development for these hard-to-track species, so please get in touch if you’d like to discuss.

    For these reasons, we always recommend pairing eDNA with other visual survey methods when using these tools for biodiversity assessments.

  • Once shed from an organism, eDNA will remain around for a few hours to a few days.

    Biological and environmental factors degrade eDNA. The rate at which this occurs depends on whether the eDNA is in freshwater, marine water, stagnant water, or flowing water etc.

  • Sample during low rainfall periods or in places where there has been less than 10 mm of rainfall in the last 24 hours.

    Rain can dilute the DNA in the water as well as disturb sediment that can in turn clog the filters.

  • Generally, no.

    We recommend interpreting the eDNA results as a presence/absence tool. There are various factors that can affect the quantity of DNA detected. These include proximity (closer organisms tend to leave stronger eDNA signals than distant ones), mortality (dead organisms dispel a lot of DNA) and spawning (gametes in the water can also flood the eDNA signal).

  • From the receipt of samples into our lab (if the samples have been submitted online), it takes on average 10-15 working days (for comprehensive analysis) or 15-20 working days (for basic analysis) for your results to be sent to you.

    Occasionally, samples may take slightly longer due to seasonal surges.

  • No, but in most cases we would highly recommend completing a chain of custody form.

    It is helpful for us if you include a chain of custody form with your samples as our sample receipt team will be able to efficiently identify the job number the samples are associated with. A chain of custody form will be sent to your supplied email after submitting your samples.

    Chain of custody forms are a regulatory form and are only really needed if you’re doing work for someone else. For example, if you are a consultant doing some sampling for a council or if the results could end up being used as evidence in environment court.

  • Absolutely.

    While our kits are designed for freshwater environments, they can be used in marine environments. Please reach out to us with your requirements and we will see how we can help.

  • Wilderlab removes all human DNA as a first step when processing samples.

    It is impossible for us to detect individual people.

  • We recommend passive samplers for flowing sites with very high sediment load, post rainfall sampling, and pest mammal monitoring.

  • Standard kits with a 1.2 µm filter are suitable for most applications. Turbid water kits have a 5.0 µm filter that are less prone to clogging in higher sediment or turbid environments.

  • Samples can last at room temperature for up to 6 months after the preservative has been added (included in all sampling kits).

    For long term storage it is recommended to freeze the sample.