Confirmation of cutaneous scabies/mite infection.

Demonstation of mites from cutaneous skin scrapings is dependant on adequate collection. See collection instructions under Specimen tab.

Scabies/Mite collection kit

If mite burrow can be seen:

1. Remove glass slides from the conical tub
2. Label the frosted slide, and the conical tube with patient's name, 2nd unique identifier (DOB or Allina Health MRN) and date of collection
3. Aspirate mineral oil into pipet and place a drop of oil onto the skin surface overlying the burrow
4. Scrape along the entire length of a burrow several times with a scalpel, trying to tease the burrow contents from inside to the outer pore; epidermal fragments and burrow contents will adhere to the oil on the blade edge
5. Scrape until the burrow is unroofed and the contents of the burrow are removed
6. Place the fragments on the specimen slide and cover with the plain glass slide
7. Secure the slides firmly together with tape.
8. Place the secured slides into the conical tub
9. Close cap tightly
10. Place tube in the biohazard specimen bag

If mite burrows cannot be seen:

1. Remove glass slides from the conical tube
2. Label the frosted slide, and the conical tube with patient's name, 2nd unique identifier (DOB or Allina Health MRN) and date of collection
3. Do an ink test:
   1. Apply a blue or black felt-tipped pen to suspected areas; Ink any burrows or papules
   2. Wipe off ink with alcohol; mite burrows will be revealed if the ink sinks into them
4. Aspirate mineral oil into pipet and place a drop of oil onto the skin surface overlying the burrow
5. Scrape along the entire length of a burrow several times with a scalpel, trying to tease the burrow contents from inside to the outer pore; epidermal fragments, ink and burrow contents will adhere to the oil on the blade edge
6. Scrape until the burrow is unroofed and the contents of the burrow are removed
7. Place the fragments on the specimen slide and cover with the plain glass slide
8. Secure the slides firmly together with tape
9. Place the secured slides into the conical tube
10. Close cap tightly
11. Place tube in the biohazard specimen bag

Conical tube from the Scabies/mite collection kit

1. Remove glass slides from the conical tube
2. Label the frosted slide, and the conical tube with patient's name, 2nd unique identifier (DOB or Allina Health MRN) and date of collection
3. Place eyelashes on the specimen slid
4. Add a drop of mineral oil using the pipet, and cover with the plain glass slid
5. Secure the slides firmly together with tap
6. Place the secured slides into the conical tub
7. Close cap tightly
8. Place tube in the biohazard specimen bag

Ambient

Refrigerated

• Improper label (unlabeled or mislabeled)
• Time delay between time of collection and receipt of specimen
• Improper transport container
• Improper transport temperature
• Inappropriate specimen type
• Leaking container

Microscopic exam