Costs for Faecal Source Tracking Assays

We have increased our prices as at January 2017.  If you would like to discuss testing options or obtain an estimate or a specific quote then please email us at faecalsource@esr.cri.nz.

Faecal Source PCR markers / Molecular Markers

Cost is based on the number of samples and the number of PCR markers tested for with three price bands:

• 1 – 5 samples

• 6- 10 samples

• More than 10 samples.

There is a minimum testing requirement of the General Marker (GenBac) plus two other markers of your choice. Details on the sensitivity and specificity of the PCR markers can be found here [PDF, 42 KB] (external link) .

Faecal Sterols Analysis

To manage costs, all samples for sterols testing are stored and processed in batches of 12 to 24 samples. 

Cost Savings

Cost savings for both faecal source PCR markers and faecal sterols are possible by filtering the samples in your local lab, storing the filters frozen and only sending once a decision has been made to go ahead with testing.  This is usually based on the E.coli or Enterococci levels found in the samples.  Full instructions for filtering the samples in house can be found here [PDF, 41 KB] (external link) . 

If you do not have a local lab or they are not able to filter and store the samples for you then we can do this at ESR and hold them until you confirm that you wish to go ahead with further analysis.  This will be cheaper that testing samples with low levels of contamination as shown by the E.coli or Enterococci results but is likely to be more expensive than using a local lab. 

Other Tests

Prices for Fluorescent Whitening Agents (FWAs), Pulsed Field Gel Electrophoresis (PFGE) and other analytical tests referred to on these website pages are available on request.  Please email us at faecalsource@esr.cri.nz.