How can you extract a mite if its head is embedded? - briefly
Gently loosen the embedded head with a fine‑pointed instrument (e.g., a micro‑probe) and lift the mite using a soft brush or micropipette; if resistance persists, apply a minimal amount of diluted ethanol to soften the tissue before extraction.
How can you extract a mite if its head is embedded? - in detail
Extracting a mite whose cephalothorax is lodged in tissue or a substrate requires a methodical approach that minimizes damage to the organism and preserves diagnostic features. The procedure can be divided into three phases: assessment, softening, and removal.
First, evaluate the attachment. Use a stereomicroscope at 30–50 × magnification to locate the exact point of embedment. Determine whether the head is trapped in a fibrous matrix, plant material, or animal skin, as this influences the choice of softening agent and tools.
Second, soften the surrounding material. Apply one of the following agents, depending on the substrate:
- Diluted enzymatic solution (e.g., 0.5 % protease in phosphate‑buffered saline) for protein‑rich tissue; expose for 30–60 seconds, then rinse with sterile saline.
- 70 % ethanol for keratinous or chitinous matrices; immerse for 10–15 seconds to reduce adhesion without dehydrating the mite.
- Warm distilled water (38–40 °C) for plant fibers; soak for 1–2 minutes to swell the fibers.
Monitor the effect under the microscope; the embedment should become visibly less rigid before proceeding.
Third, remove the mite. Employ a pair of ultra‑fine, stainless‑steel forceps (0.1 mm tip) or a micromanipulator with a glass capillary. The recommended steps are:
- Position the instrument tip just distal to the embedded head, ensuring the grasping jaws do not compress the body.
- Gently apply a pulling motion while simultaneously rotating the mite clockwise or counter‑clockwise to disengage the head from the surrounding matrix.
- If resistance persists, introduce a micro‑blade (≤0.2 mm) to make a shallow incision adjacent to the embedment, creating a release path without severing the head.
- Once free, transfer the mite to a pre‑labeled micro‑tube containing 70 % ethanol for preservation or to a physiological buffer for live observation.
Throughout the process, maintain a stable temperature (20–25 °C) and avoid excessive force that could fracture the cephalothorax. Document each step with photomicrographs to support reproducibility and for future reference.