Let's compile a list of laboratories that accept samples of bees, comb, and honey, their methodology and what they test, etc.

• What is the normal profile of a healthy bee, comb, and honey?
• What are the limitations of laboratory tests? Will they search for abnormal chemicals, pesticides, pheromones, etc.?
• How much does it cost to get these tests done?

USDA Bee Disease Diagnosis

Address

Bee Disease Diagnosis
Bee Research Laboratory
Bldg. 306 Room 316
Beltsville Agricultural Research Center - East
Beltsville, MD 20705

General Instructions

• Beekeepers, bee businesses, and regulatory officials may submit samples.
• Samples are accepted from U.S. states and territories, and from Canada; samples are NOT accepted from other countries. For samples originating from Canada click here.
• Include a short description of the problem along with your name, address, phone number or e-mail address.
• There is no charge for this service.
• For additional information, contact Bart Smith by phone at (301) 504-8821 or e-mail: bart.smith@ars.usda.gov

How to Send Adult Honey Bees

• Send at least 100 bees and if possible, select bees that are dying or that died recently. Decayed bees are not satisfactory for examination.
• Bees should be placed in and soaked with 70% ethyl, methyl, or isopropyl alcohol as soon as possible after collection and packed in leak-proof containers.
• USPS, UPS, and FedEx do no accept shipments containing alcohol. Just prior to mailing samples, pour off all excess alcohol to meet shipping requirements.
• Do NOT send bees dry (without alcohol).

How to Send Brood Samples

• A comb sample should be at least 2 x 2 inches and contain as much of the dead or discolored brood as possible. NO HONEY SHOULD BE PRESENT IN THE SAMPLE.
• The comb can be sent in a paper bag or loosely wrapped in a paper towel, newspaper, etc. and sent in a heavy cardboard box. AVOID wrappings such as plastic, aluminum foil, waxed paper, tin, glass, etc. because they promote decomposition and the growth of mold.
• If a comb cannot be sent, the probe used to examine a diseased larva in the cell may contain enough material for tests. The probe can be wrapped in paper and sent to the laboratory in an envelope.

Sending Samples to WSU Diagnostic Lab
How to prepare samples for shipment to the WSU Honey Bee Diagnostic Lab.

Part 1

Part 2