Laboratory Fee Schedule
Procedure: MZZ0411A
CPT: N/A
| Synonym(s): | Vector, taxonomic classification, surveillance, arbovirus, mosquito testing, Culicidae |
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| Requisition Form | G-14 |
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| Test Description | Mosquitoes are identified to species level using a dissecting microscope and taxonomic keys. Important vector species are pooled for arbovirus testing. |
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| Pre-Approval Needed | Yes. Contact the Arbovirus/Entomology Team at ArbovirusEntomologyTeam@dshs.texas.gov to obtain G- 14 specimen submission forms and the required shipping materials for submitting mosquito samples to the DSHS Laboratory. |
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| Supplemental Information Required | N/A |
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| Supplemental Form(s) | N/A |
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| Performed on Specimens from (sources) | |
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| Sample/Specimen Type for Testing | Live, adult mosquitoes |
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| Minimum Volume/Size Required | 1 (one) mosquito |
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| Storage/Preservation Prior to Shipping | - Use a handheld aspirator to transfer up to 100 live mosquitoes from each trap collection to a DSHS Lab-provided plastic shipping carton.
- Submit only one carton per trap.
- Store at room temperature until shipment.
- Do not freeze mosquitoes.
- Ship mosquitoes as soon as possible after collection.
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| Transport Medium | N/A |
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| Specimen Labeling | - Each shipping carton must be submitted with a completed G-14 submission form.
- Attach submission form to carton using a rubber band.
- Ensure collection data is provided on submission form.
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| Shipping and Specimen Handling Requirements | - Ship mosquitoes to the Lab using the insulated boxes provided by the Arbovirus/Entomology Laboratory.
- Include provided coolant bottle in the shipment.
- Fill bottle with water to the line, tighten cap, and freeze. Place frozen bottle in plastic bag (provided) and wrap with damp newspaper or paper towels.
- Add several sheets of moistened paper towels or damp newspaper to the inner box to keep humidity high. Avoid saturating the paper; excess water in cartons will damage mosquitoes.
- Tape the shipping box closed and ensure the appropriate labels are affixed to the exterior of the box (boxes are reused). If replacement or additional shipping supplies are needed, contact the Arbovirus/Entomology Team by emailing ArbovirusEntomologyTeam@dshs.texas.gov.
- Ship for delivery to Lab during business hours only (Monday to Friday 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.). Do not ship on Fridays, or for delivery on holidays.
- Shipping overnight or next day is preferred.
- Additional arbovirus field surveillance techniques are available online here.
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| Method | Species identification via microscopy |
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| Turn-around Time | 3 days |
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| Interferences/Limitations | N/A |
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| Common Causes for Rejection | N/A |
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| Additional Information | N/A |
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