Reporting the limits of detection and quantification for environmental DNA assays

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/…

• UD
  U.S. Department of Agriculture
• IB
  Innovate BC
• UG
  U.S. Geological Survey
• AA
  Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service
• NW
  National Wildlife Research Center