Small mammal Identification

Yes! We offer a 10% discount for an order of between 6-14 samples, and a 25% discount for 15+ samples in the same order.

Yes! We offer a £20 discount on our standard price, bringing the total cost per sample down to £35 + VAT.

Yes! We offer an express service for an additional £20 + VAT per sample for our bat identifications. We aim to return results for express orders within 3 working days. Please note that the express service is subject to availability and the turnaround time is dependent on the quality of the sample provided.

We use species-specific qPCR tests as standard. In the rare case that the test returns no results, we will use DNA sequencing to further analyse the sample.

Our genetic tests use DNA 'primers' (short fragments of DNA) designed to target unique sequences within the mitochondrial genome of a particular species. We extract DNA from a collection of droppings and then probe for the presence of each species in this single DNA extract by using different sets of species-specific primers in a polymerase chain reaction (PCR).

Each primer set will only recognise DNA sequences from its target species, effectively ignoring any other DNA that may be in the sample. If present, the primers will bind to the target sequence, allowing for amplification of the DNA sequence by PCR. This amplification is then be detected as a positive result by our machines. This approach saves time, money and resources compared to performing DNA sequencing on separate extractions from single droppings.

If you suspect that only one species is present in your sample, you can submit it as a standard test (i.e do not select 'mixed species analysis'). When we receive your sample we shall only test for the presence of a single species.

We do this by initially testing for the three most common species (common pipistrelle, soprano pipistrelle and brown long-eared) or a species which you suspect is present. Once we have a positive result, we shall stop testing and return the results to you.

Our mixed species analysis option allows you to screen for all UK bat species at once and ask whether or not there are multiple species present in your sample. This service can be selected in the online order form for an additional charge of £10 + VAT per sample.

We can test:

- Faecal samples (e.g. droppings)
- Fur (pulled, not cut...we need the hair root)
- Tissue samples (do not send entire carcasses!)

Online payment is required before samples are analysed. This ensures that there are no delays to the analysis of samples once they have arrived in the lab, and the subsequent issuing of results.

For repeat customers with larger order requirements, invoice accounts are available upon reasonable request. Please contact us for more information at orders@ecotypegenetics.co.uk

A VAT receipt/invoice will be issued via email on completion of the online order form and associated payment. If you experience any issues, please contact us at orders@ecotypegenetics.co.uk and we'll be happy to assist you.

Unfortunately, on the rare occasion, orders have been lost in the postal system. Ecotype Genetics cannot take any responsibility for your sample if this occurs. We will refund your purchase if your sample is misplaced and you cannot send us any more.

You may wish to send your sample via a special delivery or recorded service and, if necessary, arrange insurance to cover costs for obtaining and sending a replacement sample.

We also recommend to retain some of the sample, if possible, in the rare case your sample gets lost. Then you can easily send us another batch if it doesn't arrive.

Whilst is it certainly possible to obtain a result from a single dropping, we advise wherever possible that you collect at least 5-10 droppings and if possible keep a spare sample back in the unlikely event of your order being lost in transit.

The more droppings we have, the more DNA we are able to extract and the more likely a positive identification! Collecting enough droppings is also important if you wish to use our mixed species analysis and screen for the presence of more than one species.

If you are concerned about any aspects of the sample you collected, please contact us on orders@ecotypegenetics.co.uk

- The best containers to use for small mammal samples are small (1.5-2ml) plastic micro-centrifuge tubes - readily available on amazon.

- Please do NOT use a glass container to send droppings.

- Samples MUST be individually marked with their unique 'Sample ID', provided in the order confirmation email. Without this, they will not be processed.

- The safest way to send your samples is in a robust padded envelope. Please make sure you affix the correct postage as they are likely to be classed as large letters. Packages with insufficient postage are held by the courier and will not be delivered to the lab.

Depending on the service level you select, we aim to send you the results of your order within 10 (standard service) or 3 (express service) working days from receipt of the sample at the lab.

Our genetic tests target DNA sequences specific to a certain species and are thoroughly optimised. Therefore, a positive result is only given if DNA from the matching species is present.

If instead, we use a DNA sequencing method, the sequence obtained from your sample will be compared against a public database and we shall provide a result with the highest percentage match. This may not always be 100% due to very small genetic difference between individuals within a species.

Our success rate is very high, and it is rare to receive no result on a sample. However, in these circumstances it is not always possible to know why a particular sample has failed. The most likely reasons are as follows:

- There was insufficient or inadequate quality DNA in the sample to provide a positive identification. The latter may be caused by degradation of the DNA due to prolonged exposure to environmental elements.

- The sample contained inhibitory compounds that prevented the PCR reaction from working, and despite our best efforts, were unable to be separated from the genetic material.

- The sample was not from the target species group, meaning it could not be identified (although we will always endeavour to identify species wherever possible).

If the tests fails, the charge for the analysis is non-refundable. This is due to the costs incurred by Ecotype Genetics to process the sample; including labour, laboratory consumables etc. For more information see our Terms and Conditions.