Where can a mite be submitted for encephalitis testing? - briefly
Mite specimens for encephalitis analysis should be sent to a qualified public health laboratory, such as a state health department lab or the CDC’s Arbovirus Diagnostic Laboratory. These facilities accept arthropod samples for molecular and serologic testing.
Where can a mite be submitted for encephalitis testing? - in detail
Submitting a mite specimen for encephalitis diagnostics requires a laboratory equipped to detect viral pathogens in arthropod vectors. The following facilities routinely accept such samples:
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U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Arbovirus Reference Laboratory – Atlanta, GA. Contact the Vector-Borne Diseases Section (1‑800‑CDC‑INFO). Provide a live or frozen specimen in a sealed container with a cold chain (‑20 °C). Include a completed submission form and a chain‑of‑custody document.
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State public health laboratories – each state maintains a vector‑borne disease unit. Identify the appropriate department through the state health department website, then arrange shipment according to the laboratory’s biosafety guidelines. Most states require a USDA permit for interstate transport of arthropods.
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Veterinary diagnostic laboratories – examples include the Animal Health Diagnostic Center (University of Minnesota) and the Texas A&M Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory. These labs accept tick and mite samples for viral testing and can perform RT‑PCR for encephalitis‑causing agents such as Powassan, West Nile, and Japanese encephalitis viruses.
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Commercial reference laboratories – companies such as Eurofins, IDEXX, and BioReliance offer vector‑borne pathogen testing services. Orders are placed online; samples must be packed with dry ice and accompanied by a detailed specimen description.
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University research facilities – institutions with entomology or virology departments (e.g., University of California, Davis; Columbia University) often provide testing for collaborative projects. Contact the principal investigator or laboratory manager to arrange a formal material transfer agreement.
Key steps for successful submission:
- Specimen preservation – keep mites alive in a humid container for up to 48 hours, or freeze at ‑80 °C for longer storage. Avoid preservatives that inhibit nucleic acid extraction.
- Documentation – record collection date, location (GPS coordinates), host species, and any observed clinical signs in the host.
- Regulatory compliance – secure USDA APHIS permits for interstate movement of arthropods and comply with IATA packaging requirements for biological substances.
- Shipping – use insulated containers with appropriate coolant, label as “Biological Specimen, Exempt Human Pathogen.” Include a pre‑paid courier label if provided by the laboratory.
- Follow‑up – request a written report detailing assay methodology (e.g., RT‑PCR, virus isolation) and interpretation of results. Retain copies for future reference and potential public health reporting.
By adhering to these protocols, researchers and clinicians can ensure that mite samples reach qualified laboratories capable of delivering accurate encephalitis testing.