eDNA

Instructions for collecting the water samples

Please note that on receipt of the test kit please make sure the test is completed and posted back to us within 48 hours.

Overview

The sample for testing is collected by passing your water through a filter. The water is discarded after passing through the filter – it is the contents of the filter that will be tested when it is returned to us. Below is a list of items you will require to collect the sample in the filter and step by step instructions describing how to collect the sample. Please follow these instructions carefully so we receive the correct quantity of material to test and thus ensuring the collected sample is in good condition. One sample kit tests one body of water. Gloves and syringe should be discarded after use

Water sampling kit Per 1200ml of water

1. 1 x Padded jiffy bag with correct postage for return.
2. 1 x Cooling gel pack
3. 4 x Sterile Blue gloves
4. 1 x Clear Grip Seal bag with barcoded label attached
5. 4 x 50ml Luer-lock Empty syringe
6. 4 x Liquid Preservative Syringe with red cap
7. 4 x 0.22µm Sterivex filter
8. 4 x Sterivex filter red cap (for Outlet)
9. 1 x Submission form

Sampling protocol

1. Put cooling gel pack in the freezer for at least 2 hours before you begin sample collection.
2. With clean dry hands put on the sterile blue gloves before you start.
3. Remove the packaging from the syringe and the filter.
4. Collect the water samples as per diagram.
5. Fill the syringe with water from the clean bucket of water which is being tested to the 50ml mark.
6. Screw the syringe to the inlet of the filter (plain long end). Pass the water through the filter slowly by carefully pushing the syringe plunger. Remove the filter from the syringe.
7. Repeat steps 4 and 5, six (6) times, this ensures we have enough material to test. Please note towards the end it will get more difficult to pass the water from the syringe through the filter.
8. Once you have done this, disconnect the syringe from the filter and fill with air by pulling up the plunger, re-connect to the filter inlet and push air through the filter. Repeat this step until no water is visible in the filter. Remove and discard the syringe.
9. Cap the narrow end of the filter, then remove the red cap from the liquid preservative syringe and attach it to the wide end of the filter and push all the preservative into the filter. Once this has been completed cap the filter with the red cap from the syringe and shake filter for 5 seconds.
10. Repeat steps 3 – 9 three times more.
11. Insert the 4 filters into the bar coded clear grip seal bag.
12. The filter should be stored at a cool temperature until shipping for processing, ideally in a refrigerator at 4⁰C.
13. Write the barcode, number of samples, your details and the sampling date on the submission form.
14. For shipping, insert the Grip Seal bag containing the filter, submission form and frozen gel pack into the padded envelope provided and post back to eDNA Mainstream within 48 hours of receiving the test kit.
15. The padded envelope will be addressed with the appropriate postage on it.
16. For further questions, telephone 01790 753324 or email info@mainstreamfisheries.co.uk