How to Send Bee Samples for PCR Testing
A practical guide for beekeepers and veterinarians collecting and shipping honey bee samples to a laboratory for molecular diagnostics.
Why Correct Sampling Matters
PCR testing detects the genetic material of pathogens in the sample you submit. Results accuracy depends on collecting the right sample type, in sufficient quantity, preserved correctly, and shipped under appropriate conditions.
This guide provides general recommendations. Before shipping bee samples internationally, contact POLiGEN to confirm specific requirements for your investigation. Requirements may vary depending on the pathogens being investigated, the destination country, and current shipping regulations.
Which Sample Should I Send?
Adult Worker Bees
Best for: Nosema testing, viral diseases (DWV, CBPV, ABPV, BQCV, IAPV), tracheal mite detection, general pathogen screening.
Collection method: Collect returning foragers at the hive entrance or nurse bees from brood frames, depending on the investigation objective. Avoid collecting dead bees from the ground unless investigating recent mortality events.
Diseased or Suspect Larvae
Best for: American foulbrood, European foulbrood, chalkbrood confirmation.
Collection method: Include symptomatic larvae along with a section of comb if possible. This preserves sample integrity and provides visual context for the laboratory.
Mixed Colony Samples
Best for: General colony health screening when no specific symptoms are present, or when investigating subclinical infections.
How Many Bees Are Required?
Minimum quantity per colony: 30 adult worker bees.
This provides enough biological material for molecular testing and allows for retesting if needed. If testing multiple pathogens simultaneously or if samples must be pooled from several colonies, contact the laboratory to confirm the appropriate quantity.
For larval samples: Include all visibly diseased or suspect larvae from the affected cells. A section of comb (approximately 10×10 cm) containing multiple affected cells is ideal.
Packaging Recommendations
Important: Contact POLiGEN before shipping to confirm current packaging requirements. International shipping regulations for biological samples change frequently.
General Recommendations
- Primary container: Place bees in a secure, leak-proof plastic container or vial. Avoid glass containers that may break during transport.
- Labeling: Label each sample clearly with colony ID, collection date, and sample type. Include your contact information.
- Cushioning: Wrap containers to prevent movement inside the shipping box.
- Documentation: Include a sample submission form listing colony details, collection date, symptoms observed, and requested tests.
Do not add preservatives, alcohol, or other chemicals unless specifically instructed by the laboratory. Fresh or frozen samples are typically preferred for PCR testing.
Temperature During Transport
DNA and RNA stability during transport depends on temperature. General guidelines:
Short-Term Shipping (24-48 hours)
Refrigeration (approximately 4°C) is generally acceptable. Use ice packs or gel packs. Avoid direct contact between ice and sample containers to prevent freezing damage.
Long-Term or International Shipping (>48 hours)
Frozen samples are preferred. Ship on dry ice when feasible. Requirements may vary depending on the courier and destination country regulations.
Avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles. If samples were frozen for storage, keep them frozen during transport. If samples were collected fresh and refrigerated, do not freeze and thaw them repeatedly before shipping.
International Shipping Considerations
Shipping biological samples internationally requires compliance with both origin and destination country regulations. Requirements vary by country and change frequently.
What You Need to Know
- Import permits: Some countries require import permits for biological samples. The laboratory can advise whether current regulations require documentation for your shipment.
- Customs declarations: Biological samples must be declared accurately. Incorrect or incomplete declarations may result in delays or sample rejection at customs.
- Courier selection: Not all courier services accept biological samples. Requirements may vary depending on the destination country and courier.
- Transit time: Choose a shipping option that minimizes transit time to preserve sample quality.
Always contact POLiGEN before shipping international samples. We can confirm current import requirements, suggest appropriate couriers, and provide any necessary documentation to facilitate customs clearance.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Collecting dead bees from the ground
Dead bees may have degraded genetic material. Unless investigating a recent mortality event, collect live or recently dead bees directly from the hive.
Insufficient sample quantity
Submitting fewer than 30 bees may not provide enough material for testing and retesting if needed.
Adding preservatives without instructions
Unless the laboratory specifically requests it, do not add alcohol, formalin, or other chemicals. These may interfere with PCR testing.
Inadequate labeling
Samples without clear colony ID, collection date, or contact information cannot be processed. Label each container individually.
Shipping without prior contact
International samples shipped without confirmation may be rejected at customs or arrive when the laboratory cannot process them. Always confirm before shipping.
What Happens After the Samples Arrive?
Once samples reach the laboratory:
- Receipt confirmation: You receive notification that samples arrived and were logged.
- Sample preparation: Biological material is prepared for DNA/RNA extraction.
- PCR testing: Target pathogens are analyzed using molecular techniques.
- Results reporting: A written report indicates detection or non-detection of target pathogens.
Turnaround time depends on the tests requested and laboratory workload. This is discussed when planning the diagnostic project.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I ship samples in alcohol?
Only if specifically instructed by the laboratory. Alcohol preserves DNA but can complicate RNA analysis for certain viral tests. Contact POLiGEN to confirm the appropriate preservation method for your investigation.
What if I can't ship immediately after collecting samples?
Freeze samples at -20°C until shipping. Avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles. Contact the laboratory to confirm maximum storage time before shipment for your sample type.
Can I pool samples from multiple colonies?
Pooling can be used for screening purposes but limits your ability to identify which specific colonies are affected. If investigating a specific colony health issue, submit individual colony samples. Discuss pooling strategies with the laboratory when planning your project.
How long does international shipping typically take?
Transit time varies by origin country, courier service, and customs processing. Express international couriers typically deliver within 2-5 business days. Customs clearance may add additional time. Choose the fastest available service to minimize sample degradation.
Contact POLiGEN Before Shipping Your Samples
Every diagnostic project benefits from planning. Contact our laboratory to confirm sample requirements, shipping protocols, and current international regulations before you ship.