Where to send an eye mite for analysis? - briefly
Send the specimen to a veterinary diagnostic laboratory or a university parasitology department. The CDC’s Division of Parasitic Diseases also processes eye‑mite samples.
Where to send an eye mite for analysis? - in detail
If an ocular mite (commonly Demodex spp.) needs laboratory identification, the sample should be sent to a facility equipped for parasitological or ophthalmic microbiology analysis. Viable options include:
- Clinical pathology laboratories affiliated with hospitals – many tertiary‑care centers maintain a parasitology unit that processes skin‑scrape and eyelash specimens. Contact the hospital’s microbiology department to arrange acceptance of the sample and obtain shipping instructions.
- Specialized ophthalmic research laboratories – university ophthalmology departments often run dedicated Demodex identification services. Examples are the Ocular Surface Laboratory at the University of California, San Diego, and the Eye Institute at Moorfields Hospital, London. Email the principal investigator or laboratory manager to confirm specimen requirements.
- Commercial reference diagnostic companies – firms such as Quest Diagnostics, Labcorp, and Eurofins Scientific list “parasitology – ocular” among their test menus. Submit an order through their online portal or call the customer service line for a specimen collection kit.
- Public health or veterinary parasitology labs – state health departments and agricultural universities sometimes accept human ocular mite samples for epidemiological monitoring. Verify eligibility with the agency’s parasitology section.
Specimen collection and preservation
- Remove 2–4 eyelashes from the affected lid using sterile forceps; place them in a sterile, screw‑cap tube.
- Add a few drops of 70 % ethanol or a specialized transport medium (e.g., RNAlater) to preserve mite morphology without compromising DNA integrity.
- Label the tube with patient identifier, collection date, and anatomical site.
- Store at 4 °C if shipment occurs within 24 hours; otherwise freeze at –20 °C.
Packaging for shipment
- Place the sealed tube in a secondary container with absorbent material.
- Use a rigid outer box, include a cold pack if required, and label according to IATA regulations for biological substances (Category B).
- Provide a completed requisition form detailing clinical history, suspected species, and required analyses (microscopy, PCR, culture).
Regulatory considerations
- Verify that the receiving laboratory holds a CLIA certificate (or equivalent accreditation) for parasitology testing.
- Obtain patient consent for genetic testing if molecular assays are requested.
- Ensure compliance with local biohazard transport laws; many jurisdictions require a “Biological Substance, Category B” declaration.
By selecting an accredited clinical or research laboratory, following proper collection and packaging protocols, and adhering to transport regulations, the ocular mite specimen can be analyzed accurately for species identification, antimicrobial susceptibility, and epidemiological reporting.