Where can a test for scabies mite be submitted? - briefly
Samples may be submitted to clinical or public‑health laboratories that provide parasitology or dermatology diagnostics, including state health department labs, university research facilities, and commercial testing companies. Verify specimen handling and shipping instructions directly with the chosen laboratory before dispatch.
Where can a test for scabies mite be submitted? - in detail
Testing for the presence of Sarcoptes scabiei can be arranged through several types of facilities. Public health laboratories, often operated by state or regional health departments, accept skin‑scrape specimens for microscopic identification. These agencies provide guidance on proper collection, packaging, and shipping, and results are typically reported to the requesting clinician or health authority.
Reference laboratories specializing in parasitology, such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and accredited university‑affiliated labs, process samples from both human and animal sources. Submissions require a completed requisition form, detailed patient or animal information, and a preservative (e.g., 70 % ethanol) to maintain mite integrity during transport.
Commercial diagnostic companies, including large clinical‑pathology networks, offer scabies testing as part of their dermatology panels. Ordering is performed through standard laboratory information systems; specimens are mailed in insulated containers with cold packs to preserve morphology.
Veterinary diagnostic centers also evaluate scabies mites, particularly for wildlife and domestic animal cases. These labs follow similar submission protocols but may demand additional data on species and environmental exposure.
Key steps for any submission:
- Verify that the laboratory holds a CLIA waiver or appropriate accreditation for parasitic examination.
- Complete the required test request form, indicating “Sarcoptes scabiei” or “scabies mite identification.”
- Collect skin‑scrape material using a sterile blade; place the material in a labeled vial with preservative.
- Package the vial according to biosafety regulations; include a cold pack if the specimen is not fixed.
- Ship via overnight courier to the laboratory’s designated address; retain tracking information.
- Await the microscopic report, which includes presence or absence of mites, eggs, or fecal material, and any recommended follow‑up.
For urgent cases, some state health departments provide a “rapid response” service, allowing same‑day courier pickup and expedited microscopy. Contact information for regional public health labs is typically listed on state health department websites.