Diagnostic Services
Overview
The UMD Bee Lab is dedicated to meeting the diagnostic needs of beekeepers. These diagnostics can help provide data that enables beekeepers to make informed decisions: in management, breeder selection, and to help identify possible causes of failing colonies. At our lab we can quantify Varroa mites, Nosema spp. by spore count or qPCR, Tracheal mites, a host of known bee viruses, and can facilitate pesticide analysis through our cooperator, the USDA Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS).
Prices and Ordering
The prices listed in Table 1 below includes sampling kits, shipping of kits, diagnostics, and the resulting diagnostic reports. Not included are shipping costs of samples back to our lab. For ordering information, please see our Order Form.
Cost of diagnostic service varies depending on what diagnostics are desired, and how many samples are wanted. Parties interested in larger volume sampling and diagnostics should contact the lab directly to see if a volume discount is available. Sample kits can either be used to sample one colony, or be an aggregate sample of several colonies. If you have a large or long-term project, please contact us for pricing.
The UMD Bee Lab is dedicated to meeting the diagnostic needs of beekeepers. These diagnostics can help provide data that enables beekeepers to make informed decisions: in management, breeder selection, and to help identify possible causes of failing colonies. At our lab we can quantify Varroa mites, Nosema spp. by spore count or qPCR, Tracheal mites, a host of known bee viruses, and can facilitate pesticide analysis through our cooperator, the USDA Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS).
Prices and Ordering
The prices listed in Table 1 below includes sampling kits, shipping of kits, diagnostics, and the resulting diagnostic reports. Not included are shipping costs of samples back to our lab. For ordering information, please see our Order Form.
Cost of diagnostic service varies depending on what diagnostics are desired, and how many samples are wanted. Parties interested in larger volume sampling and diagnostics should contact the lab directly to see if a volume discount is available. Sample kits can either be used to sample one colony, or be an aggregate sample of several colonies. If you have a large or long-term project, please contact us for pricing.
Varroa
Using a 30 minute Burrell Scientific shaker to dislodge the mites, collected bees will be tested for Varroa mite (Varroa destructor) infestations. 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. Results will be reported in the number of mites per 100 bees (Varroa load percentage).
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Nosema
Collected bees will be tested for Nosema disease by microscopy to observe the microscopic spore prevalence. Results will be reported as millions of spores per bee (Nosema load). |
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Molecular pathogens
Molecular samples collected of at least 50 bees will be tested for 10 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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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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Pesticides
Pesticide 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.
Pesticide 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.
Place an Order
Use our Order Form to select which diagnostic services you would like us to provide. Once your order is submitted, you will receive an email with an invoice from the University of Maryland. Orders will be shipped upon receipt of payment. Sampling kits include sampling protocols, return address labels, and data sheets if you so desire to use them.
Use our Order Form to select which diagnostic services you would like us to provide. Once your order is submitted, you will receive an email with an invoice from the University of Maryland. Orders will be shipped upon receipt of payment. Sampling kits include sampling protocols, return address labels, and data sheets if you so desire to use them.
Protocols
Sampling and shipping protocols will be posted online shortly, or email [email protected].
Return Shipping and Turnaround Time
Please allow 2 weeks for Varroa and/or Nosema and Tracheal mite results. Viral samples may take longer due to current workloads. We can provide information regarding turnaround times upon request once we receive your samples. Pesticide samples are contracted out to USDA/AMS and we have no control over their turnaround time.
Please email us at [email protected] when you ship your kits. Please include the tracking number, the number of boxes, and a contact phone number. Return shipping should be made to:
Sampling and shipping protocols will be posted online shortly, or email [email protected].
Return Shipping and Turnaround Time
Please allow 2 weeks for Varroa and/or Nosema and Tracheal mite results. Viral samples may take longer due to current workloads. We can provide information regarding turnaround times upon request once we receive your samples. Pesticide samples are contracted out to USDA/AMS and we have no control over their turnaround time.
Please email us at [email protected] when you ship your kits. Please include the tracking number, the number of boxes, and a contact phone number. Return shipping should be made to:
UMD Bee Lab
4291 Fieldhouse Drive
Plant Science Bldg. Rm 4112
College Park, MD 20742
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).