Which laboratories accept mites for analysis? - briefly
Several diagnostic facilities—including the USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service laboratory, the University of Florida Entomology Department, and Eurofins Scientific’s Veterinary Service—accept mite specimens for identification and testing. Prospective submitters should verify each laboratory’s submission guidelines and fees before sending samples.
Which laboratories accept mites for analysis? - in detail
Laboratories that process mite specimens fall into several categories. University and research institutions with entomology or acarology departments routinely accept samples for taxonomic identification, pesticide resistance testing, and ecological studies. Examples include the Department of Entomology at the University of California, Davis; the Acarology Laboratory at the University of Minnesota; and the Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences. These facilities typically require live or preserved specimens, a detailed collection label, and a fee schedule.
Government agencies maintain reference labs for public‑health and agricultural concerns. In the United States, the USDA Agricultural Research Service (ARS) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) operate mite analysis units that handle pest and disease‑vector specimens. The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) designates national reference laboratories in member states, such as the French National Institute for Agricultural Research (INRAE) and the German Federal Institute for Materials Research and Testing (BAM). Submissions must follow official protocols, often involving cold‑chain transport and specific preservation media.
Private diagnostic companies provide rapid identification for veterinary, medical, and pest‑management clients. Notable providers include IDEXX Laboratories (USA), which offers mite identification for animal skin diseases, and Eurofins Scientific, which conducts acarological testing for food‑industry contamination. These firms usually request a small number of specimens, a brief case history, and payment via invoice.
Key considerations for sending mite samples:
- Preservation: Live mites should be kept at 4 °C in a ventilated container; dry specimens may be stored in 70 % ethanol or in sealed vials with desiccant.
- Labeling: Include collection date, location (GPS coordinates if possible), host organism, and collector’s contact information.
- Documentation: Attach a short description of the problem (e.g., suspected scabies, plant mite infestation) and any treatment history.
- Regulatory compliance: Verify import/export permits when shipping internationally; many countries require phytosanitary certificates for arthropod specimens.
- Cost and turnaround: University labs often charge modest fees and provide results within 2–4 weeks; government reference labs may have longer queues but prioritize public‑health cases; private labs typically return reports within 5–10 business days for an additional premium.
Contact information for major facilities:
- University of California, Davis – Acarology Lab: [email protected], +1 530‑752‑1010.
- USDA ARS – Acarology Unit: [email protected], +1 202‑720‑xxxx.
- CDC – Vector‑Borne Disease Laboratory: [email protected], +1 800‑CDC‑INFO.
- IDEXX Laboratories – Veterinary Diagnostic Services: [email protected], +1 800‑555‑1234.
- Eurofins Scientific – Acarology Services: [email protected], +33 1 44 88 xxxx.
Selecting an appropriate laboratory depends on the intended analysis (taxonomic, diagnostic, regulatory), the urgency of results, and the geographic origin of the sample. Following the outlined submission standards ensures accurate identification and minimizes delays.