Specimen Requirements

Specimen Type: Skin Scrapings

Container/Tube: Slides, Sterile container

Specimen Volume: Entire collection

Collection Instructions:

1. Provider prepares a scraping from an unscratched, inhabited burrow; wherever the patient says they itch at that very moment.

2. Use a strong light, magnifying glass, and a surgical blade to which a drop of mineral oil has been added.

3. IN OFFICE: Scrape several sites, place on a slide, and cover with cover slip.  Label slide with patient name (first and last), Date of birth, and MRN. 

FOR TRANSPORT: Scrape several sites, place on a slide, cover with a clean slide and use a rubber band to hold the two slides together. Place the slides in a clean, dry, sterile container.  Label slide with patient name (first and last), Date of birth, and MRN.

Additional Information:

1. Label container with patient’s name (first and last), date and actual time of collection, and type of specimen.
2. Specimen source is required.