Reporting the limits of detection and quantification for environmental DNA assays

Katy E. Klymus; Christopher M. Merkes; Michael J. Allison; Caren S. Goldberg; Caren C. Helbing; Margaret Hunter; Craig Jackson; Richard F. Lance; Anna M. Mangan; Emy M. Monroe; Antoinette J. Piaggio; Joel P. Stokdyk; Chris C. Wilson; Catherine A. Richter

doi:10.1002/edn3.29

Reporting the limits of detection and quantification for environmental DNA assays

Environmental DNA

By: Katy E. Klymus, Christopher M. Merkes, Michael J. Allison, Caren S. Goldberg, Caren C. Helbing, Margaret Hunter, Craig Jackson, Richard F. Lance, Anna M. Mangan, Emy M. Monroe, Antoinette J. Piaggio, Joel P. Stokdyk, Chris C. Wilson, and Catherine A. Richter

https://doi.org/10.1002/edn3.29

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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.

Additional publication details
Publication type	Article
Publication Subtype	Journal Article
Title	Reporting the limits of detection and quantification for environmental DNA assays
Series title	Environmental DNA
DOI	10.1002/edn3.29
Volume	2
Issue	3
Year Published	2019
Language	English
Publisher	Wiley
Contributing office(s)	Columbia Environmental Research Center, Upper Midwest Environmental Sciences Center, Wetland and Aquatic Research Center
Description	12 p.
First page	271
Last page	282
Google Analytic Metrics	Metrics page