Great Crested Newt eDNA testing services
A reliable and trusted service from one of the UK’s largest specialist DNA testing companies and Natural England's appointed testing laboratory
Countdown to the start of the season:
SERVICE EXCELLENCE THROUGH SCIENCE
Choose Cellmark for your testing
Reliable Results
Cellmark again achieved a perfect score in the 2025 FAPAS Great Crested Newt (GCN) eDNA proficiency testing scheme.
Rapid Turnaround
We offer a range of GCN environmental DNA (eDNA) testing services for you - 10 day, 5 day, 2 day turnaround and our fastest Next Day service.
Competitive Pricing
Buy your testing kits online today or contact our Customer Services team to request a quote for larger testing volumes.
Extensive Experience
With over 35 years’ experience of providing specialist DNA services we have a history of innovation and analytical excellence.
QUICK, SIMPLE AND RELIABLE
Order your Great Crested Newt eDNA Testing Kits
For orders of over 50 sampling kits please contact us to obtain a quote.
Account Orders
- We'll invoice you for your kits and analysis*
- Benefit from special deals for larger testing volumes
- No need to book a testing slot or schedule your testing
Online Orders (Up to 50 Kits)
- Pay upfront using a credit/debit card
- Take advantage of PayPal 'Pay in 3' and spread the cost
- No need to book a testing slot or schedule your testing
*Please see our terms and conditions for our credit terms.
Ordering your analysis online
- Please note, the service turnaround is measured in working days and calculated from the date we receive the sample at our laboratory.
STANDARD
10 Day Service from £155* (ex VAT)
EXPRESS
5 Day Service from £205* (ex VAT)
FAST TRACK
2 Day Service from £255* (ex VAT)
NEXT DAY
Next Day Service from £355* (ex VAT)
By prior arrangement
All our online prices include the following as standard:
eDNA Sampling Kit
Courier kit delivery
Full Analytical Report
Read our FAQs:
Kit Ordering and Delivery eDNA Sampling Analysis and Reports*For orders of 20 kits or more. Regular prices per kit - 10 day £170, 5 day £220 and 2 day £270 +VAT
How do I take an eDNA sample?
Cellmark's sampling kits are designed to make your job as easy as possible - they match Natural England protocols. In our sampling video, Nicola from Cellmark, demonstrates the correct way to collect water samples for eDNA testing.
RAPID AND EFFECTIVE
Environmental (eDNA) Testing
What is eDNA?
Environmental DNA or eDNA is genetic material given off by an organism into its environment. In the case of great crested newts, the eDNA samples are collected from bodies of water. This DNA can persist for a number of weeks, allowing us to test for its presence in water samples. Most frequently ponds are surveyed during the great crested newt breeding season.
Why is testing performed?
Great crested newts (GCN; Triturus cristatus) are a protected species in the UK. Deliberately capturing, killing, disturbing or injuring great crested newts at any life stage and damaging, destroying or obstructing access to a breeding or resting place, are prohibited by law. eDNA testing is a rapid and effective way to test for the presence or absence of great crested newts.
Other testing services
Rural Crime
Cellmark utilises a broad range of casework disciplines and specialist DNA services to assist in wildlife and rural crime investigations.
Species Testing
Cellmark’s 12S rRNA mitochondrial sequencing service was developed and validated in 2011 and subsequently accredited to ISO17025.
Forensic Services
Cellmark uses a range of specialist accredited techniques to extract DNA and produce valuable DNA profiling information for our customers.
>35 yrs
Established in 1987 Cellmark pioneered the introduction of forensic DNA analysis and has built an international reputation for forensic excellence.
450+
Our diverse employee population is rich in expertise across a range of scientific disciplines. We aim to attract and retain the top talent in the industry.
1000s
Chosen and contracted by a wide range of customers including the general public, local authorities, 80% of UK police forces plus national and international government agencies.
5m+
Approaching 3 million human DNA samples and over 2.5 million animal samples DNA tested at our laboratories in the UK.
Service Excellence Through Science
Superior service
The skill of our science is matched by the commitment of our people to deliver a swift, responsive and high quality service for our customers. Our customer service team strive to make doing business with us as easy as possible.
Scientific excellence
Participating in the Natural England proficiency tests our assay is able to detect newt DNA even in the lowest concentrations. Across our range of services we work to exacting quality standards for technical excellence, data security and environmental responsibility.
A wealth of experience
Cellmark is the UK's most experienced DNA testing company, with over 35 years’ experience of providing specialist DNA services we have a history of innovation, scientific development and analytical excellence.
