Parasites (other) – Maggots – Myiasis

Alternative Names/Synonyms	Identification of myasis from a human source
Laboratory	Microbiology
Sub-section	Bacteriology
Specimen Type	○ Larvae (maggots)

Other Information

○ Please indicate appropriate clinical information on requisition (e.g. site of collection, if the patient is a new immigrant or refugee or returned traveler. The foreign country MUST be identified)
○The following arthropods can be identified at PHOL: suspected lice fleas, bedbugs, maggots or mited removed from a human or vicinity. PHOL will not identified arthropods from a non-human source.

Specimen Requirements (Tube Type)

○ Sterile container

Collection Requirements

○ Remove maggot larvae from source (e.g. infected area) and place in sterile container

Sample Stability

Refer to section Sample Processing / Delivery

Referral Laboratory

PHOL

Routine Turnaround Time

○ Up to 2 days

Laboratory Contact Information

416-586-4800 extension 4601

Approval Required

Sample Processing / Delivery

○ Label specimen container. Place specimens in biohazard bag and seal.

○ Specimens should be stored at room temperature (20-25˚C) after collection and transport to the UHN/SH Microbiology Laboratory ASAP

○ The specimen will be referred to the Public Health Ontario Laboratory for testing