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, Vairimorpha (formerly 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 the table below includes sampling kits, out-bound shipping, diagnostics, and diagnostic reports. Return shipping costs not included. For ordering information, please see our Order Form.
Cost of diagnostic service varies based on type of diagnostic and number of samples requested. 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 quantity discount 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, Vairimorpha (formerly 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 the table below includes sampling kits, out-bound shipping, diagnostics, and diagnostic reports. Return shipping costs not included. For ordering information, please see our Order Form.
Cost of diagnostic service varies based on type of diagnostic and number of samples requested. 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 quantity discount 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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Vairimorpha (formerly Nosema)
Collected bees will be tested for Vairimorpha (formerly Nosema) disease by microscopy to observe the microscopic spore prevalence. 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 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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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.
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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).