Hello, welcome to our video
about decontamination, DECON for
short, procedures for boats,
gear and the processing trailer
prior to environmental DNA
or eDNA sample collection.
in accordance with the U.S. Fish
and Wildlife Service Region 3
invasive carp eDNA program's
Quality Assurance Project Plan or
QAPP. For the most comprehensive
information on how to decontaminate gear,
please refer to sections B1
and B2 of the QAPP.
It is preferable to have a designated
vessel processing trailer truck
and associated field equipment set
aside for eDNA work if possible.
This also includes PFDs, boots and rain gear.
Even if there is designated equipment,
it must be decontaminated prior
to sampling and between cases.
The first step in the decontamination
process is to select an appropriate
decontamination method for
the gear type and situation.
Refer to Appendix C in the QAPP to view
decontamination methods and their advantages,
disadvantages,
and safety measures.
When preparing a bleach solution,
use concentrated bleach 6
to 8% sodium hypochlorite.
The solution is good for one day.
When using a high temperature
pressure washer,
a temperature of 212 degrees Fahrenheit
is required to decontaminate surfaces.
Gear should be cleaned of debris
prior to decontamination.
Once free of debris,
choose a decontamination method
that is suitable for the equipment,
location and services available.
Common decontamination methods used by
the eDNA program are 10% bleach solution,
20% bleach solution or 2% Virkon solution.
Sample collection tube racks are generally
decontaminated using a 20% bleach solution
immersion bath for 10 seconds,
followed by rinsing with clean water.
For bleaching larger items like coolers,
rain gear, boots, PPE and other
equipment, lay the items out on a clean
surface and apply a 10 or 20% bleach
solution using a low pressure sprayer.
A contact time of 10 minutes is
required for a 10% bleach solution
and a 10 second contact time is
required for a 20% bleach solution.
Allow all surfaces contact
with the decontaminant.
Rinse with clean tap water
and allow to air dry.
Coolers can be dried using clean paper
towels while wearing clean gloves.
For small non saturable equipment like
pens, hats and electronic surfaces,
use DNA away and paper
towel for decontamination.
Be sure to consider the wind direction
while spraying bleach outdoors and use
proper ventilation while using indoors.
Open a window or use a fan to direct
fresh air into the room where bleach
is used to prevent lightheadedness.
Be sure to read all relevant
safety data sheets
of the chemicals that you plan to use.
Boats should be cleaned of large debris,
mud and dirt. Prior to decontamination,
remove as much material as possible
with a brush or cloth and clean water.
Apply a high temperature pressure washer
or a 2% virkon solution or bleach
solution with appropriate contact time.
Then rinse with clean water.
You must decontaminate
the vessel between cases.
If the boat has been exposed to carp DNA,
use a high pressure sprayer method
in conjunction with a chemical
method for decontamination.
Here staff are using a high temperature
pressure washer followed by low pressure
application of a 20% bleach solution
to decontaminate the sampling boat.
If complete decontamination in the
field is not possible between cases,
choose the best available method of
DNA reduction in Appendix C of the
QAPP. Rinse equipment with copious
amounts of water at the highest
pressure available and allowed to dry.
Exposure to the sun or UV radiation
and heat will help reduce residual DNA.
Follow complete decontamination
procedures upon return to field station
office or at first availability.
When setting up the processing
trailer at a new location,
avoid parking in areas that pose a
risk for contamination from other
activities such as boat washing stations.
Equipment and work surfaces must
be cleaned with either a 20%
bleach solution for 10 seconds
or a 10% bleach solution for 10
minutes, DNA away or Clorox wipes.
The workbench is thoroughly decontaminated,
then rinsed with a clean source
water and allowed to dry.
The floor is mopped with a decontaminant
and rinsed with a clean source
water then allowed to dry.
Be sure to allow proper contact
time for bleach solutions.
Once dry, cover each workstation with
clean paper towels or bench paper.
All plastic centrifuge inserts
should be submerged in a 20% bleach
immersion bath for 10 seconds,
rinsed thoroughly with clean
source water and allowed to dry.
Centrifuge rotors and buckets need
to be wiped down with DNA away.
These items should be checked for
debris throughout the processing
day and recleaned as necessary.
The trailer must be
decontaminated between cases.
Decontamination of equipment is incredibly
important to ensure sample integrity.
All steps must be followed to minimize the
chance of any potential cross contamination.
Please visit https://
www.fws.gov/media/quality-
assurance-project-plan-
edna-monitoring-
Bighead-and-silver-
carps for the most up to
date version of the QAPP.