16/06/2015: Xelect offers eDNA assay for invasive sea-squirt

Carpet sea-squirt encrusting a very rare and fragile tube-worm structure in Western Scotland

Xelect now offer validated eDNA detection for the invasive carpet sea-squirt, Didemnum vexillum. This species poses threats to aquaculture and fragile marine habitats as it forms a rapid encrusting growth. Early detection of new arrivals will play an important role in defending against potentially harmful invasive species.

Xelect has partnered with Primerdesign Ltd, world leaders in qPCR assay development, to design and manufacture a highly sensitive and accurate DNA test capable of detecting D. vexillum from a 0.5L sample of sea-water. The assay has been rigorously lab tested to ensure it only detects the target species, avoiding false positives from closely related species.

Clients collect water samples from sites of interest and Xelect will do the rest – providing advice on sampling technique, sample archiving and user-friendly results interpretation.

Download further details HERE.

Visit the Xelect website HERE.

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