Please include a general submission form in separate plastic bag to keep it dry.

 For best results, follow these steps:

• The sample should be collected in a screw-top vial, pill container, or similar sealable container, if possible.
• Add alcohol to the container to cover the specimen.
• If the sample cannot be collected in a container, clear tape or a sticky trap can be used.  Tape to clear plastic wrap or waxed paper.  Please note that using tape or a sticky trap makes diagnosis more difficult as the specimen may have to be pulled off the material for microscopic examination destroying the sample in the process.
• Put the specimen in an envelope or cardboard box with newspaper for padding.
• Ship the sample to the address on the submission form.
• More detailed instructions can be found in HYG-2121-12, Submitting Insect Specimens for Identification.

The CWEPPDC does not examine vacuum cleaner bags or items containing body fluids or skin as the laboratory does not handle medical waste materials.