Specimen Requirements

Title

SCABIES EXAMINATION

Specimen Requirement

DRY SKIN SCRAPINGS IN STERILE CUP OR SUBMIT SCRAPINS BETWEEN TWO MICROSCOPIC SLIDES RUBBER-BANDED TOGETHER IN A STERILE CONTAINER.

Methodology

MICROSCOPIC EXAMINATION

Stability

ROOM TEMPERATURE: INDEFINITE; REFRIGERATED: INDEFINITE; FROZEN: UNACCEPTABLE

Reference Range

Turnaround

3-7 DAYS; PERFORMED MON/THURS

Clinical Use

Sarcoptes scabiei causes scabies which is recognized by a nocturnal itch occurring primarily on the webbing between the fingers spreading to the wrists, elbows, buttocks, breasts and external genitalia. This itch and accompanying skin eruptions are delayed for several weeks after the initial infection. The rash represents a sensitization to the bite which does not necessarily correspond to the location of the active adult female.

Test Code

SCABS