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Crayfish eDNA

The white-clawed crayfish is the only native crayfish species in the UK. It is endangered and under threat from invasive crayfish species such as signal crayfish and the crayfish plague. Our simple to use eDNA test provides a cost-effective opportunity to monitor these species alongside other native and non-native crayfish species.

Crayfish eDNA Surveys

Our crayfish eDNA Analysis service can identify if a single or multiple crayfish species are present or absent within a waterbody such as a pond, stream or river. Our in house developed eDNA test for crayfish has been developed following industry standards to provide a reliable and accurate service.

See below for the top target species that we can screen for.

White-clawed crayfish

The UK's only native crayfish species, at threat from non-natives and the crayfish plague.

Signal crayfish

The most prolific invasive non-native species, now found in waterways around the majority of the UK.

Other crayfish

Marbled crayfish, red swamp crayfish, noble crayfish, narrow-clawed crayfish and many more. Contact us to see what we can do.

Crayfish plague

The biggest threat to native populations of crayfish.

Order Your Sampling Kit


Our Filter eDNA Collection Kit has been specially designed and optimised to obtain the maximum amount of DNA from a water sample. By using filters, we can collect DNA from volumes up to 1L (over 10x the amount collected using the ethanol filled tubes for GCN eDNA).

Only one Filter eDNA Collection Kit is needed per site, to detect up to four different target species. Mix and match to analyse multiple species such as: white-clawed crayfish, signal crayfish, marbled crayfish, crayfish plague, smooth newt, Asian clam… Basically any four species from our other species detectable by eDNA page here.

Filter eDNA Collection Kit: £30.00 ex. VAT

Order Your Sampling Kit

Prices & Turnaround Times


When returning your kit, please indicate on the sample collection form which species you wish to analyse the sample for.

  • Analysis of 1 target species – £140.00 +vat
  • Analysis of 2 target species – £170.00 +vat
  • Analysis of 3 target species – £200.00 +vat
  • Analysis of 4 target species – £230.00 +vat

Popular Target species:

  • White-clawed crayfish       Austropotamobius pallipes
  • Signal crayfish                     Pacifastacus leniusculus
  • Marbled crayfish                 Procambarus virginalis
  • Narrow-clawed crayfish    Pontastacus leptodactylus
  • Crayfish plague                   Aphanomyces astaci

Or any four species from our other species detectable by eDNA page here.

Turnaround times:
All results are provided within 10 working days from receiving the sample at the laboratory. Fast Track 5 working days (+£100 per sample) may be available depending on lab capacity. Please call ahead to check availability.

The cost of analysis is invoiced to your account once the results are made available. Note: for the first order on new customer accounts the cost of analysis is required to be paid upfront.

Prices & Turnaround Times

Prices & Turnaround Times

Crayfish eDNA Survey Seasons

Optimal survey period =
Sub-optimal survey period =

White-clawed crayfish

Due to seasonal weather conditions and changes in crayfish activity over the year, sample collection is best suited to the summer months where crayfish activity levels are higher.

White-clawed crayfish icon
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Signal crayfish

Like the white-clawed crayfish, signal crayfish are also less active in winter months. For best results sample during breeding or just after hatching.

Signal crayfish icon
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Other crayfish species

Due to weather and seasonal activity cycles of crayfish, all our other detectable species such as red swamp and marbled crayfish are best sampled for in the summer months.

Other crayfish species icon
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Crayfish plague

Detectable all year round due to the presence of spores, it is reccomended to avoid winter months when extreme weather conditions can cause a dilution of detecatble DNA.

Crayfish plague icon
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01.

Developed In-house

Our white-clawed crayfish eDNA service has been developed in house over a 4 year period, in collaboration with the University of Derby. Our assay has been designed using the most sensitive sample collection technique and validated in a wide range of habitats including ponds, streams, rivers and lakes.

02.

Want to test for more species?

With each Filter eDNA Collection Kit able to detect up to four different species, feel free to add additional species such as freshwater pearl mussel, European eel and Atlantic salmon. See our eDNA analysis page for a full list of target species.

03.

Sustainability Improvements

We have introduced practices to increase sustainability and reduce waste such reduction in packaging matieal, investing in laboratory recycling schemes and switching to carbon neutral products in our sampling kits, in cases we cannot switch out the plastic.

04.

New Fast-Track Service

Fast Track 5 working days (+£100 per sample) may be available depending on lab capacity. Please call ahead to check availability.

Returning Your Kit for Analysis


We recommend returning kits by an overnight courier such as DPD, they have depots across the UK and you can even arrange a convenient at home collection using their website. Alternatively we can arrange the collection of kits from your premises to our lab. The cost will be £40+VAT per consignment. We also accept hand-delivered kits between 08:00 and 16.00 Monday to Friday, and by appointment 24/7.

Please send completed kits back to our laboratory at:

SureScreen Scientifics
Morley Retreat
Church Lane, Morley
Derbyshire
DE7 6DE

Returning Your Kit for Analysis

Resources

Crayfish FAQs

How many samples do I need to collect?

How many target species can you detect per sample?

Is the test specific to the species?

What about biosecurity?

Who can sample?

Can this analysis prove the absence of crayfish for building development?

Is this method approved by Natural England or the Environment Agency?

How accurate is the eDNA analysis for Crayfish?

When is the best time to sample?

What volume of water do I need to filter?

Pond Sample Collection

Stream and River Sample Collection

What are the chances of detecting old/no longer present populations of crayfish?

Is eDNA for Crayfish more sensitive at detecting presence of Crayfish than traditional methods?

How do I return my kits to the laboratory?