Where to submit a test for scabies mites? - briefly
Submit scabies mite specimens to a certified medical laboratory or a public‑health department that provides parasitology testing. Contact the local health authority for the appropriate facility and submission guidelines.
Where to submit a test for scabies mites? - in detail
When a scabies mite specimen requires laboratory analysis, the submission process follows a defined pathway that ensures accurate identification and timely reporting.
The first step is to collect a suitable sample. Skin scrapings should be taken from active lesions, placed on a glass slide, and examined under a microscope to confirm the presence of mites, eggs, or fecal pellets. If microscopic confirmation is not possible on‑site, the material must be preserved in 70 % ethanol or a transport medium approved by the receiving laboratory.
Next, the specimen is packaged according to biosafety regulations. A sealed, leak‑proof container holds the slide or vial, accompanied by a completed requisition form that includes patient identifiers, clinical history, and the date of collection. The form must specify the test requested (e.g., microscopic identification, PCR for Sarcoptes scabiei).
Submission destinations fall into three main categories:
• Public health laboratories – state or provincial health department labs provide free or subsidized testing for suspected outbreaks and report results to epidemiological surveillance systems. Contact the local health authority to obtain the appropriate address and shipping instructions.
• Reference and commercial diagnostic laboratories – companies such as Quest Diagnostics, Labcorp, and specialized parasitology reference labs accept mailed specimens. These facilities offer rapid turnaround, detailed reports, and optional molecular assays. Verify acceptance of scabies specimens on the provider’s website before dispatch.
• Academic or veterinary research centers – university parasitology departments and veterinary diagnostic labs often process human scabies samples for research or teaching purposes. Submission requires prior arrangement with the laboratory director and may involve additional consent documentation.
After dispatch, tracking the shipment with a courier service that provides temperature control and proof of delivery is recommended. Upon receipt, the laboratory acknowledges the sample, conducts microscopic examination, and, if requested, performs molecular confirmation. Results are communicated via secure electronic reporting or fax, typically within 3–7 business days for standard microscopy and up to 14 days for PCR.
For urgent cases, many public health labs offer a “stat” service that accelerates processing in exchange for an additional fee. Coordination with the ordering clinician ensures that treatment decisions can be made promptly based on the definitive identification of scabies mites.