Scabies

Alternative Names/Synonyms	Identification of Scabies (Sarcoptes scabei) with microscopy
Laboratory	Microbiology
Sub-section	Bacteriology
Specimen Type	○ Skin scrapings

Other Information

○ PHOL will not identify Scabies from a non-human source.

Specimen Requirements (Tube Type)

○ Sterile screw capped container with 70% ethanol

Collection Requirements

○ Collect skin scrapings from track margins in the affected area with a clean, sterile instrument (e.g. flat edge of scalpel or tongue depressor)

Sample Stability

Refer to section Sample Processing / Delivery

Referral Laboratory

PHOL

Routine Turnaround Time

○ 2 days

Laboratory Contact Information

416-586-4800 extension 4626

Approval Required

Sample Processing / Delivery

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

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

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