NAVMED P-5010-8 - Navy Medicine - U.S. Navy

8-55 CHAPTER 8. NAVY ENTOMOLOGY AND PEST CONTROL TECHNOLOGY 8-56
SECTION IX. COLLECTION AND PREPARATION OF SPECIMENS
FOR SHIPMENT TO MEDICAL LABORATORIES
Article Subject Page
8-55 Introduction..................................................................................................................8-67
8-56 Procedures....................................................................................................................8-67
8-57 Disposition of Collections............................................................................................8-71
8-55. Introduction
a. Insects, Other Arthropods, and
Vertebrates of Medical Importance. Whenever
possible, specimens should be collected and
identified. Specimen acquisition permits development
of collections representative of all
geographical areas where naval personnel are
stationed. These collections then provide a
reference source to determine whether, during
subsequent surveys, new or existing specimens
are found to have moved into or left a specific
area. Also, due to geologic variations pertaining
to control, the importance of accurate vector
and pest species identification cannot be overemphasized.
b. Data Requirements. To ensure the
scientific value of specimens, it is necessary to
record all pertinent data at the time of collection.
The minimum information that must accompany
all specimens is the date collected, the precise
location, and the collector. Other important
information includes method of collection,
elevation, host, habitat, behavior, time of day,
specimen coloration, and any significant
morphological or ecological observations. All
associated data should be kept with the specimens
as they are moved, mounted, studied, or
shipped. Labels should be written with a soft
lead pencil or pen with indict ink, and to avoid
loss or switching, placed inside vials, Novocain
tubes, or boxes with the specimens. With
pinned specimens the labels should be mounted
on the pins below the specimens.
8-56. Procedures
a. Arthropods
(1) Dead Specimens. When shipping
material by mail, an advance letter should be sent
to the addressee notifying him of the shipment and
its content. The actual shipment, via parcel post,
is marked “Dried (or Preserved) Insects for
Scientific Study” and “Fragile.” If the shipment is
from overseas the statement, “No Commercial
Value” will facilitate passage through customs.
(2) Live Specimens
(a) Quarantine and Shipping Regulations.
If live arthropods or arthropods containing
infectious etiologic agents are to be shipped
from overseas or interstate, permits may be
required by PHS and/or the U.S. Post Office. To
ensure compliance with regulations, refer to
SECNAVINST 6210.2 series and BUMEDINST
6210.3 series, Handling and Shipping of Potentially
Hazardous Biological Materials, Diagnostic
Specimens, and Etiologic Agents.
(b) Shipment. Delicate insect larvae
and adults cannot be easily shipped; therefore, the
more durable eggs or pupae should be sent whenever
possible. Shipments should be air mailed or
sent by special delivery if necessary. Ventilate the
package but make sure the insects cannot escape.
Pack carefully and mark the package “LIVING
INSECTS” so it will receive special handling. An
advance letter should be sent to the addressee
notifying him of the shipment and its content.
9 Nov 2004
8-67