Before you start sampling
This page covers our key recommendations for planning your sampling, avoiding contamination, getting the most out of your kit and submitting your samples, along with a few things to keep in mind about what eDNA can and can't tell you.
Before you head into the field
If necessary, get permission from landowners to access the sampling site(s). We recommend always consulting or involving traditional custodians before sampling.
Beware of contamination. Any DNA on gear such as buckets and waders could lead to false positives, so make sure to rinse all your gear in a 10% bleach solution before setting out.
Make sure you read and understand the sampling instructions. For all instructions and directional videos, please visit wilderlab.co/directions.
What to know while sampling
Take care in and around the water. Always sample with a buddy and don't take any unnecessary risks.
Avoid contaminating the water you are filtering. Avoid wading in still waters such as lakes and wetlands, and sample upstream from where you enter the water in rivers and streams.
For riverine systems, do not sample after significant rainfall. Increased dilution and stirred-up sediment can worsen detection rates. Instead, sample during low rainfall periods (no more than 10 mm of rain in the past 24 hours).
Understanding the limitations
eDNA is not an exhaustive biological monitoring method and is usually recommended as complementary to additional surveillance. The genetic reference database is still incomplete for many taxa, and water conditions such as pH and temperature can affect detection sensitivity.
Our multispecies tests have been designed to maximise detections for key taxa, but this is not exhaustive to all groups. If you have any questions about the scope of our tests, don’t hesitate to get in touch.
6 reps is best
We recommend taking six sample replicates at a single site. This method is optimal for detecting fish, insects, and other important groups. The six-rep method is currently widely used as the standardised sampling protocol.
DO NOT SPLIT UP 6 REP KITS - Six-rep kits contain two large syringes and are intended for use at a single point in time. Using syringes at different sites will lead to cross contamination.
Submitting your samples
Submit your sample metadata before sending samples to our lab. Unsubmitted samples cannot be processed, and late submissions can cause lengthy delays. You can find the online submission form at wilderlab.co/submit-samples.