Diagnostic Services
Overview
The UMD Bee Lab is dedicated to meeting the diagnostic needs of beekeepers. These diagnostics provide data that enable beekeepers to make informed decisions related to colony management, breeder selection, and the identification of potential causes of colony failure. The lab offers quantification of Varroa mites; Vairimorpha (formerly Nosema) spp. via spore counts or qPCR; tracheal mites; and 14 known honey bee viruses. In addition, pesticide analyses can be facilitated through our cooperator, the USDA Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS).
Prices and Ordering
The prices listed in the table below include sampling kits, outbound shipping, diagnostic testing, and diagnostic reports. Return shipping costs are not included. For ordering information, please refer to the order form, below.
The cost of diagnostic services varies depending on the type of test and the number of samples submitted. Sampling kits may be used for a single colony or as an aggregated sample from multiple colonies. If you are planning a large-scale or long-term project, please contact us to inquire about volume-based pricing.
The UMD Bee Lab is dedicated to meeting the diagnostic needs of beekeepers. These diagnostics provide data that enable beekeepers to make informed decisions related to colony management, breeder selection, and the identification of potential causes of colony failure. The lab offers quantification of Varroa mites; Vairimorpha (formerly Nosema) spp. via spore counts or qPCR; tracheal mites; and 14 known honey bee viruses. In addition, pesticide analyses can be facilitated through our cooperator, the USDA Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS).
Prices and Ordering
The prices listed in the table below include sampling kits, outbound shipping, diagnostic testing, and diagnostic reports. Return shipping costs are not included. For ordering information, please refer to the order form, below.
The cost of diagnostic services varies depending on the type of test and the number of samples submitted. Sampling kits may be used for a single colony or as an aggregated sample from multiple colonies. If you are planning a large-scale or long-term project, please contact us to inquire about volume-based pricing.
Sample Kit & Processing |
Varroa & Vairimorpha (20 samples) |
Varroa & Vairimorpha (10 samples) |
Varroa OR Vairimorpha (20 samples) |
Varroa OR Vairimorpha (10 samples) |
Viral (1 sample) |
Pesticides (1 sample) |
Tracheal Mites (1 sample) |
Cost |
$234 |
$124 |
$157 |
$85 |
$168 |
$553 |
$130 |
Varroa
Using a 30 minute Burrell Scientific shaker to dislodge the mites, collected bees will be tested for Varroa mite (Varroa destructor) infestations. Sample bottles come in a bag of 10 or 20. They can be returned for diagnostics together or individually up to a year after purchase. Results will be reported in the number of mites per 100 bees (Varroa load percentage).
Using a 30 minute Burrell Scientific shaker to dislodge the mites, collected bees will be tested for Varroa mite (Varroa destructor) infestations. Sample bottles come in a bag of 10 or 20. They can be returned for diagnostics together or individually up to a year after purchase. Results will be reported in the number of mites per 100 bees (Varroa load percentage).
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Vairimorpha (formerly Nosema)
Collected bees will be tested for Vairimorpha (formerly Nosema) disease by microscopy to observe the microscopic spore prevalence. Sample bottles come in a bag of 10 or 20. They can be returned for diagnostics together or individually up to a year after purchase. Results will be reported as millions of spores per bee (Vairimorpha load). |
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Viral - Molecular Pathogens
Molecular samples collected of at least 50 bees will be tested for 14 target pathogens. Results will be reported as pathogen load in pathogen copies per bee (quantification of the target RNA by qPCR).
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Pesticides
Samples of either wax or bee bread will be tested for ~500 different compounds conducted by the USDA Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) in Gastonia, NC using High Resolution Mass Spectrometry (HRMS). Results are reported as the absence or presence of the pesticide residues in parts per billion (ppb) and includes the limits of detection of the screening. *This service does not include a kit.
Samples of either wax or bee bread will be tested for ~500 different compounds conducted by the USDA Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) in Gastonia, NC using High Resolution Mass Spectrometry (HRMS). Results are reported as the absence or presence of the pesticide residues in parts per billion (ppb) and includes the limits of detection of the screening. *This service does not include a kit.
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Tracheal Mites
Up to 16 individual honey bees will undergo laboratory dissection and microscopic examination of the tracheae to look for the presence of Tracheal mites (Acarapis woodi). Results will show either an absence or presence of Tracheal mites in a sample. |
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Place an Order
Use our Order Form and select which diagnostic service(s) you would like us to provide. Once your order is submitted, you will receive an email confirmation and an invoice from the University of Maryland. If your order includes kit materials, the sampling supplies, sampling protocols, return address labels, and data sheets (use optional) will be shipped upon receipt of payment.
Use our Order Form and select which diagnostic service(s) you would like us to provide. Once your order is submitted, you will receive an email confirmation and an invoice from the University of Maryland. If your order includes kit materials, the sampling supplies, sampling protocols, return address labels, and data sheets (use optional) will be shipped upon receipt of payment.
Protocols
Sampling and shipping protocols will be posted online shortly, or email [email protected].
Turnaround Time
We can provide information regarding turnaround times upon request once we receive your samples. Please allow up to 2 weeks for Varroa, Vairimorpha (formerly Nosema), and Tracheal mite results. Viral samples may take longer due to current workloads. Pesticide samples are contracted out to USDA/AMS and we have no control over their turnaround time.
Shipping Samples to the Lab:
Please email us at [email protected] when shipping your samples. Please include the tracking number, the number of boxes, and your contact number.
Sampling and shipping protocols will be posted online shortly, or email [email protected].
Turnaround Time
We can provide information regarding turnaround times upon request once we receive your samples. Please allow up to 2 weeks for Varroa, Vairimorpha (formerly Nosema), and Tracheal mite results. Viral samples may take longer due to current workloads. Pesticide samples are contracted out to USDA/AMS and we have no control over their turnaround time.
Shipping Samples to the Lab:
Please email us at [email protected] when shipping your samples. Please include the tracking number, the number of boxes, and your contact number.
All samples should be shipped to:
UMD Bee Lab
4291 Fieldhouse Drive
Plant Science Bldg. Rm 4112
College Park, MD 20742
UMD Bee Lab
4291 Fieldhouse Drive
Plant Science Bldg. Rm 4112
College Park, MD 20742
Sample Kit Expiration
Pricing of diagnostics has changed dramatically over the last several years. For this reason, purchased kits need to be used and returned to the lab within one year of purchase. The kit you receive will be date stamped for use up to one year after purchase. You can ship us as many, or as few bottles as you desire over the course of that year. When ordering multiple kits, not all kits need to be returned at once. We will also email you a tracking number so you can track the arrival of your kit(s).
Pricing of diagnostics has changed dramatically over the last several years. For this reason, purchased kits need to be used and returned to the lab within one year of purchase. The kit you receive will be date stamped for use up to one year after purchase. You can ship us as many, or as few bottles as you desire over the course of that year. When ordering multiple kits, not all kits need to be returned at once. We will also email you a tracking number so you can track the arrival of your kit(s).