Live Watch (Targeted eRNA Assay)

Overview

A DNA detection tells you a species' genetic material was in the water. It does not tell you why. A zebra mussel signal at a busy boat launch could mean an established colony — or a contaminated boat that visited last week. Those two situations call for very different responses, and Live Watch is built to tell them apart.

Live Watch looks for the RNA of one named species, using a targeted assay. Because RNA begins degrading within minutes to hours of leaving a living cell, a positive result is strong evidence the organism is alive and active where you sampled, not just that its DNA passed through.

It also means eRNA cannot be collected the way eDNA is. Valid eRNA sampling requires high-volume pumped filtration to concentrate enough viable transcript signal, and immediate on-site chemical preservation to lock the snapshot before it breaks down. That is what the Osprey platform, supplied by our genomics partner, is built to do.

Use it to confirm, not to screen: after a Species Watch or Lake Census detection, to check whether a treated or removed population is still active, or where a response decision depends on knowing the organism is alive. Sold in sets of three sampling locations — typically the detection site and two nearby.

One of four genetic tests. “Census” reads the whole community; “Watch” looks for one named species. Lake Census and Species Watch read DNA; the two “Live” tests read RNA, which only living, active organisms produce.

• Lake Census — DNA, broad: what lives here?
• Species Watch — DNA, one species: is it here yet?
• Live Census — RNA, broad: what is alive and active right now?
• Live Watch — RNA, one species: is it alive and active here now?

Most lakes should start broad and narrow down: census first, then watch, then confirm. Which genetic test should your lake start with?

Note on methodology: eRNA analysis is not an EPA-approved method. It is a research-grade ecological tool, and results are not suitable for regulatory or compliance use.

What problem does this solve for our lake?

• A DNA detection of an invasive species raises a question it can't answer: is there a living population, or did a contaminated boat or drifting water carry the signal in? The two call for very different responses, and getting it wrong is costly either way — an unnecessary alarm, or a missed infestation. Live Watch tests one species for signs of living, active presence, so your response rests on evidence rather than assumption.

What's included?

• The Osprey platform ships to your site as two coordinated cases:
• Osprey Control Case — stays on site for the duration of your program. Pump system, battery and charger, control electronics, tubing, sample mounts, flow meter, pre-filters, and labeled instructions.
• Osprey Sample Case — travels between your site and the lab. Sample cartridges, shipping mounts, and pre-measured preservation buffer.
• Return postage for the Sample Case
• Three (3) sampling locations — the minimum order
• Laboratory analysis by targeted eRNA assay for one target species, named at order and confirmed against the lab's validated assays, with full chain of custody
• A lab report per location stating whether the target species' RNA was detected
• Results loaded into your lake's account
• Field workflow: cases arrive, run the pump per the provided guidelines, roughly 15 minutes of sampling per run, set the genetic signal with the buffer, ship the Sample Case back. One-time test, return both cases; ongoing program, keep the Control Case and cycle only the Sample Case.
• Note on methodology: eRNA analysis does not run an EPA-approved method. It is a research-grade ecological tool, and results are not suitable for regulatory or compliance use.

What's not included

• Sample collection. You run the platform; we supply everything needed to do it correctly.
• Standard grab or syringe-filter collection. It will not concentrate enough viable transcript signal for a valid eRNA result.
• Any species other than the one named at order. For the whole active community, order Live Census.
• Species without a validated eRNA assay. The Boathouse will confirm your target before you order.
• Single samples. Three locations is the minimum order.
• Abundance or population estimates
• Proof of absence. A non-detection means active RNA was not detected in this sample, at this place and time.
• Regulatory or compliance determinations, including official invasive-species reporting
• Treatment, remediation, or applicator services

Requirements

• Immediate on-site preservation. RNA begins degrading within minutes to hours, so the buffering step happens at the water, not back at the house.
• High-volume pumped filtration per the provided guidelines — roughly 15 minutes per sampling run
• The Sample Case shipped back the same day it is filled
• Somewhere secure and dry to keep the Control Case if you are running a multi-visit program
• Sampling timed to the question. eRNA is a snapshot of a moment, so the moment has to be the one you care about.
• A Plus, Lake Admin, or PRO subscription to have results loaded into your Lake Pulse account
• A target species confirmed with the Boathouse against the lab's validated eRNA assays before you order
• Questions about site selection, timing, or which genetic test fits your lake? Contact the Lake Pulse Boathouse before you order.