U.S. Department of Agriculture: Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service
United States Department of Agriculture Wildlife Services: Staff Publications
ORCID IDs
Katy E. Klymus https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8843-6241
Christopher M. Merkes https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8191-627X
Caren C. Helbing https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8861-1070
Margaret E. Hunter https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4760-9302
Craig A. Jackson https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4023-0276
Antoinette J. Piaggio https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4701-0746
Catherine A. Richter https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7322-4206
Document Type
Article
Date of this Version
2020
Citation
Environmental DNA. 2020;2:271–282.
DOI: 10.1002/edn3.29
Abstract
Background: Environmental DNA (eDNA) analysis is increasingly being used to detect the presence and relative abundance of rare species, especially invasive or imperiled aquatic species. The rapid progress in the eDNA field has resulted in numerous studies impacting conservation and management actions. However, standardization of eDNA methods and reporting across the field is yet to be fully established, with one area being the calculation and interpretation of assay limit of detection (LOD) and limit of quantification (LOQ).
Aims: Here, we propose establishing consistent methods for determining and reporting of LOD and LOQ for single‐species quantitative PCR (qPCR) eDNA studies.
Materials & Methods/ Results: We utilize datasets from multiple cooperating laboratories to demonstrate both a discrete threshold approach and a curve‐fitting modeling approach for determining LODs and LOQs for eDNA qPCR assays. We also provide details of an R script developed and applied for the modeling method.
Discussion/Conclusions: Ultimately, standardization of how LOD and LOQ are determined, interpreted, and reported for eDNA assays will allow for more informed interpretation of assay results, more meaningful interlaboratory comparisons of experiments, and enhanced capacity for assessing the relative technical quality and performance of different eDNA qPCR assays.
Included in
Natural Resources and Conservation Commons, Natural Resources Management and Policy Commons, Other Environmental Sciences Commons, Other Veterinary Medicine Commons, Population Biology Commons, Terrestrial and Aquatic Ecology Commons, Veterinary Infectious Diseases Commons, Veterinary Microbiology and Immunobiology Commons, Veterinary Preventive Medicine, Epidemiology, and Public Health Commons, Zoology Commons
Comments
US gov't work