Suzanne Lazaroo
15 July 2024: The University of Canberra’s EcoDNA team recently received ISO accreditation from the National Association of Testing Authorities (NATA) for environmental DNA (eDNA) testing – the first environmental DNA research group in the country and only the second in the world to test its mettle against the global gold standard.
The EcoDNA research team focuses on cutting edge eDNA-based detection techniques, which target the DNA shed by organisms in skin, hair, urine, faecal matter and tissue, that can be captured from environmental samples like soil and water.
These techniques involve low environmental impacts and costs – but result in high levels of accuracy, effectiveness and accessibility, thus transforming biosecurity and conservation services and practices worldwide.
EcoDNA is recognised as Australia’s National eDNA Reference Centre, setting and maintaining application standards for eDNA technology across the country, as well as in New Zealand and the Asia Pacific region.
NATA is Australia’s leading national accreditation body, and a signatory to the ILAC Mutual Recognition Arrangement. It assesses organisations against international standards for laboratory testing and calibration labs, proficiency testing scheme providers and producers of reference materials.
Professor Dianne Gleeson, Research Lead and Director of the National eDNA Reference Centre, says this marks a major milestone for EcoDNA.
“We are very proud to achieve this accreditation, which enables us to provide the highest standards in how eDNA is implemented for our range of stakeholders and partners,” she said.
The accreditation encompasses environmental DNA/RNA testing, sample collection, eDNA/RNA extraction and qPCR (quantitative PCR) testing for species-specific assays, including six of the world’s foremost pest species: brown marmorated stink bug, electric ant, Khapra beetle, red imported fire ants, spotted lantern fly and Varroa mite.
“Attaining the accreditation further signifies that the EcoDNA group has evolved beyond research. We are bridging the gap between research and the operational use of that research – delivering it in a way that the research becomes actionable and can be used to inform decision-making,” Professor Gleeson said.
The pathway to NATA accreditation was a lengthy one for the EcoDNA group, spanning approximately three years.
“It involved changes in testing methods and reporting, to increase consistency and accuracy, and also involved an expansion of our facilities, as we set up a dedicated Trace DNA lab last year,” Senior Research Fellow Dr Alejandro Trujillo-González said.
“We’re very grateful for the support from the University and the government for investing in this national resource.”
