When can a mite be submitted for analysis? - briefly
A mite specimen can be dispatched for laboratory examination immediately after collection, provided it is preserved according to the facility’s protocol and processed within 24–48 hours to maintain viability. Submission should occur before the organism degrades or the sample dries out.
When can a mite be submitted for analysis? - in detail
A mite specimen may be sent to a diagnostic laboratory only after it has been collected, preserved, and documented according to established protocols. The collection must occur when the organism is alive or freshly dead; delayed sampling reduces morphological integrity and may compromise molecular results. Immediate placement of the sample in a suitable preservative—typically 70 % ethanol for morphological work or RNAlater for DNA/RNA extraction—prevents degradation. The container should be sealed, labeled with the collection date, locality, host information, and collector’s name.
Before dispatch, the following criteria should be verified:
- The specimen is intact, with key diagnostic structures (e.g., gnathosoma, idiosoma) observable.
- Preservation medium is compatible with the intended analyses (morphology, molecular, or both).
- The sample volume meets the laboratory’s minimum requirement, often at least one adult or a pool of nymphs when species identification is difficult.
- Accompanying paperwork includes a request form specifying the purpose of analysis, any suspected pathogens, and required reporting format.
Shipping conditions must maintain the preservative’s effectiveness. For ethanol‑preserved material, airtight packaging prevents evaporation; for RNAlater, refrigeration at 4 °C is sufficient, while frozen samples (‑20 °C or lower) are acceptable for nucleic acid work. Rapid courier services reduce transit time; most laboratories expect receipt within 48 hours of collection.
Regulatory compliance is mandatory. If the mite originates from a regulated environment (e.g., agricultural fields, veterinary settings, or wildlife habitats), the submitter must hold any necessary permits and include phytosanitary or animal health certificates. Failure to provide documentation can delay processing or result in sample rejection.
Upon arrival, the laboratory conducts a preliminary assessment to confirm sample suitability. If the specimen meets all criteria, analysis proceeds according to the requested scope—microscopic identification, PCR‑based pathogen detection, or genomic sequencing. Results are typically reported within the timeframe indicated on the submission form, ranging from a few days for routine microscopy to several weeks for comprehensive molecular studies.