Navigation Block On this page Overview FAQs Online Form Contact On this page Overview FAQs Online Form Contact Get Help with Hive Health to Honey Quality We accept samples from across Canada and provide expert diagnostics to support beekeepers, researchers, and industry. Our testing covers a wide range of honey bee health concerns, including: American Foulbrood (AFB) European Foulbrood (EFB) Nosema Varroa mites Tracheal mites Honeybee viruses We also offer chemical residue analysis on honey, bees, pollen, and propolis in collaboration with the Chemistry Laboratory of Agriculture and Rural Development (Government of Alberta). Honey composition testing is also available, including analysis of sweetness and floral origin. We accept samples from across Canada and provide expert diagnostics to support beekeepers, researchers, and industry. Our testing covers a wide range of honey bee health concerns, including: American Foulbrood (AFB) European Foulbrood (EFB) Nosema Varroa mites Tracheal mites Honeybee viruses We also offer chemical residue analysis on honey, bees, pollen, and propolis in collaboration with the Chemistry Laboratory of Agriculture and Rural Development (Government of Alberta). Honey composition testing is also available, including analysis of sweetness and floral origin. Show More add Show Less close FAQ's Sampling Sampling Approach Depending on the concern, some samples may be taken per apiary or per colony. When the main interest is overall apiary health, a composite sample of adult bees from eight randomly selected colonies in each apiary will be required (we recommend one (1) composite sample for up to 1,000 colonies). When a specific colony is the main concern, one sample of adult bees or comb from this colony will be required. Apiary Colony Collect a sample of 80-100 adult bees from each of the EIGHT randomly selected colonies for each apiary that you sample One 1/2 NBDC container = ~100 bees Samples will be composited in the NBDC, therefore samples must be sent in individual containers. Collect ONE sample of 100-300 adult bees from each colony that you sample One Full NBDC container = ~200 bees Sample Type and Amount Required The type and amount of sample required depend on the disease or condition suspected. Suspected Disease/Condition Sample Type and Amount Nosema and Tracheal mites Adult bees from the honey frame (120 bees required) Varroa mites Adult bees from the brood frame (300 bees required) American Foulbrood (AFB) and European Foulbrood (EFB) A piece of comb containing diseased brood or entire frame Adult Bees from the brood frame (120 bees required) Viruses Live adult bees or diseased brood bees required Chemical toxicity (residue) Honey (20 g required) Adult bees (200 bees required) Pollen (10 g required) Propolis (10 g required) Antibiotic residues in honey Honey (20 g required) Sampling Procedure It is recommended to examine frames of the entire colony to find the queen before taking any samples. This will ensure that the queen will not end up in the sample container. Comb sample Cut a piece of brood comb about 10 cm x 10 cm containing the suspected diseased brood. Wrap the sample in paper towels or newsprint and send it packaged loosely in a cardboard box. Avoid honey, pollen or nectar in the sample and do NOT put samples in a plastic or airtight container. If possible, send one full frame with eggs and larvae at multiple stages. Adult Bees Collect bees in 30 dram vials (~120mL). The NBDC will provide sample containers upon request. Similar containers can be purchased at local stores (e.g. urine sample containers or plastic honey jars). Keep it in the freezer until it is ready to submit. Live adult bees (for viral analysis): Collect adult bees and transfer to a live bee shipping box, or use a plastic vial and add a queen candy or a sugar cube. If using a plastic vial, ensure the container is aerated by making a few holes on the lid or on the side of the container. Bees must be shipped alive in order to preserve RNA integrity for viral testing. Honey Collect in a glass or plastic container with a screw cap. Please seal the container properly to avoid leakage. Keep in a cool place or refrigerate until able to send. Pollen Collect from a pollen trap or bee bread from the brood frame in a plastic container with a screw cap. Keep it in the freezer until it is ready to submit. Propolis Scrape propolis with a hive tool while avoiding contamination with bee parts, paint or wood in the sample as best as possible. Propolis can be tested in its resin form or in alcohol. Labelling Sample containers must indicate: Beekeeper’s name Colony ID, if a composite sample, write Apiary ID Date of sample collection Type of sample (e.g. honey frame; brood frame, etc.) * Please use a permanent marker to record information Shipping Package preparation Check that all sample containers/boxes are properly sealed and labelled (if possible, send samples that were frozen with ice packs). Complete the online submission form. Shipment Submit samples using Express or Priority service. We suggest samples are sent on a Monday or Tuesday, so they arrive during the business week (Mon-Fri). Samples may also be dropped off at our office. Canada Post is the only carrier that will ship live bees; if you are sending live samples, send via Canada Post, express service. Mailing Address Canada Post ShipmentsNational Bee Diagnostic CentreP.O. Box 1118Beaverlodge, AB T0H 0C0 Other CouriersNational Bee Diagnostic Centre100038A TWP RD 720Beaverlodge, AB T0H 0C0 Results, Fees & Payment Results Results will be available within two weeks of sample receipt in the lab. Chemical residue analyses will be complete within three weeks of receipt. NBDC Diagnostic Services Fees Services Fee Africanized genetics $60.00 Nosema count $20.00 Varroa mites count $20.00 Tracheal mite detection $33.00 Nosema species identification $33.00 American Foulbrood detection $33.00 European Foulbrood detection $33.00 Chalk brood detection $33.00 Queen health assessment $33.00 Antibiotic resistance - European or American Foulbrood $27.00 Malpighamaoeba mellificae $45.00 Virus detection/quantification - each $45.00 Virus detection – 3 viruses $120.00 Virus detection – 5 viruses $185.00 Virus detection – 7 viruses $250.00 Virus detection – 9 viruses $300.00 Chemical Residue Testing Fees Testing is conducted at the Chemistry Lab of Agriculture & Rural Development - Government of Alberta Antibiotic Residues in Honey Test Analytes Fee Honey Quality Package Colour Moisture Sugars Tetracycline Antibiotics Tylosin $210.00 Fumagillin Fumagillin Dicyclohexylamine $50.00 Tetracycline Antibiotics Chlortetracycline Oxytetracycline Tetracycline $100.00 Tylosin Antibiotics Tylosin A Desmyciosin (Tylosin B) $50.00 Glyphosate Glyphosate $50.00 Quinclora Quinclora $50.00 Pesticide Residue Analysis Synthetic Acaricides Amitraz degradation products Coumaphos Flumethrin Fluvalinate $150.00 Payment Customers will be invoiced directly by Northwestern Polytechnic. Please contact NWP Financial Services directly for payment options: Phone: 780-539-2026Fax: 780-539-2832Email: @email Webform Block NBDC Online Sample Submission Submit samples for diagnostics and/or chemical analysis Full Name Phone Number Email Street Address City Province Postal Code Business Name Describe the Symptoms Sample Notes Optional Billing Address If your billing address is different than the contact address listed above please add it here. Full Name/Business Name Billing Address City Province Postal Code Samples In the "Sample ID" column, please include an identification number (colony ID, apiary ID, etc.) that will identify your sample. Sample #1 Sample Date Sample Type - None -Adult BeesBroodCombHoneyPollenPropolisWax Sample ID Sample #2 Sample Date Sample Type - None -Adult BeesBroodCombHoneyPollenPropolisWax Sample ID Sample #3 Sample Date Sample Type - None -Adult BeesBroodCombHoneyPollenPropolisWax Sample ID Sample #4 Sample Date Sample Type - None -Adult BeesBroodCombHoneyPollenPropolisWax Sample ID Sample #5 Sample Date Sample Type - None -Adult BeesBroodCombHoneyPollenPropolisWax Sample ID Sample #6 Sample Date Sample Type - None -Adult BeesBroodCombHoneyPollenPropolisWax Sample ID Sample #7 Sample Date Sample Type - None -Adult BeesBroodCombHoneyPollenPropolisWax Sample ID Sample #8 Sample Date Sample Type - None -Adult BeesBroodCombHoneyPollenPropolisWax Sample ID Sample #9 Sample Date Sample Type - None -Adult BeesBroodCombHoneyPollenPropolisWax Sample ID Sample #10 Sample Date Sample Type - None -Adult BeesBroodCombHoneyPollenPropolisWax Sample ID Tests If you are not sure which tests you need, please leave this section blank and include the observed symptoms and any other relevant information in the "Sample Notes" section above. DIAGNOSTICS #1 #2 #3 #4 #5 #6 #7 #8 #9 #10 Acute Bee Paralysis Detection Acute Bee Paralysis Detection #1 Acute Bee Paralysis Detection #2 Acute Bee Paralysis Detection #3 Acute Bee Paralysis Detection #4 Acute Bee Paralysis Detection #5 Acute Bee Paralysis Detection #6 Acute Bee Paralysis Detection #7 Acute Bee Paralysis Detection #8 Acute Bee Paralysis Detection #9 Acute Bee Paralysis Detection #10 AFB Detection AFB Detection #1 AFB Detection #2 AFB Detection #3 AFB Detection #4 AFB Detection #5 AFB Detection #6 AFB Detection #7 AFB Detection #8 AFB Detection #9 AFB Detection #10 AFB Detection & Antibiotic Resistance AFB Detection & Antibiotic Resistance #1 AFB Detection & Antibiotic Resistance #2 AFB Detection & Antibiotic Resistance #3 AFB Detection & Antibiotic Resistance #4 AFB Detection & Antibiotic Resistance #5 AFB Detection & Antibiotic Resistance #6 AFB Detection & Antibiotic Resistance #7 AFB Detection & Antibiotic Resistance #8 AFB Detection & Antibiotic Resistance #9 AFB Detection & Antibiotic Resistance #10 AFB Detection in Honey AFB Detection in Honey #1 AFB Detection in Honey #2 AFB Detection in Honey #3 AFB Detection in Honey #4 AFB Detection in Honey #5 AFB Detection in Honey #6 AFB Detection in Honey #7 AFB Detection in Honey #8 AFB Detection in Honey #9 AFB Detection in Honey #10 Black Queen Cell Virus Detection Black Queen Cell Virus Detection #1 Black Queen Cell Virus Detection #2 Black Queen Cell Virus Detection #3 Black Queen Cell Virus Detection #4 Black Queen Cell Virus Detection #5 Black Queen Cell Virus Detection #6 Black Queen Cell Virus Detection #7 Black Queen Cell Virus Detection #8 Black Queen Cell Virus Detection #9 Black Queen Cell Virus Detection #10 Chalk Brood Detection Chalk Brood Detection #1 Chalk Brood Detection #2 Chalk Brood Detection #3 Chalk Brood Detection #4 Chalk Brood Detection #5 Chalk Brood Detection #6 Chalk Brood Detection #7 Chalk Brood Detection #8 Chalk Brood Detection #9 Chalk Brood Detection #10 Chronic Bee Paralysis Detection Chronic Bee Paralysis Detection #1 Chronic Bee Paralysis Detection #2 Chronic Bee Paralysis Detection #3 Chronic Bee Paralysis Detection #4 Chronic Bee Paralysis Detection #5 Chronic Bee Paralysis Detection #6 Chronic Bee Paralysis Detection #7 Chronic Bee Paralysis Detection #8 Chronic Bee Paralysis Detection #9 Chronic Bee Paralysis Detection #10 Deformed Wing Virus Detection Deformed Wing Virus Detection #1 Deformed Wing Virus Detection #2 Deformed Wing Virus Detection #3 Deformed Wing Virus Detection #4 Deformed Wing Virus Detection #5 Deformed Wing Virus Detection #6 Deformed Wing Virus Detection #7 Deformed Wing Virus Detection #8 Deformed Wing Virus Detection #9 Deformed Wing Virus Detection #10 EFB Detection EFB Detection #1 EFB Detection #2 EFB Detection #3 EFB Detection #4 EFB Detection #5 EFB Detection #6 EFB Detection #7 EFB Detection #8 EFB Detection #9 EFB Detection #10 Israeli Acute Paralysis Detection Israeli Acute Paralysis Detection #1 Israeli Acute Paralysis Detection #2 Israeli Acute Paralysis Detection #3 Israeli Acute Paralysis Detection #4 Israeli Acute Paralysis Detection #5 Israeli Acute Paralysis Detection #6 Israeli Acute Paralysis Detection #7 Israeli Acute Paralysis Detection #8 Israeli Acute Paralysis Detection #9 Israeli Acute Paralysis Detection #10 Kashmir Virus Detection Kashmir Virus Detection #1 Kashmir Virus Detection #2 Kashmir Virus Detection #3 Kashmir Virus Detection #4 Kashmir Virus Detection #5 Kashmir Virus Detection #6 Kashmir Virus Detection #7 Kashmir Virus Detection #8 Kashmir Virus Detection #9 Kashmir Virus Detection #10 Nosema Count Nosema Count #1 Nosema Count #2 Nosema Count #3 Nosema Count #4 Nosema Count #5 Nosema Count #6 Nosema Count #7 Nosema Count #8 Nosema Count #9 Nosema Count #10 Nosema Species Identification Nosema Species Identification #1 Nosema Species Identification #2 Nosema Species Identification #3 Nosema Species Identification #4 Nosema Species Identification #5 Nosema Species Identification #6 Nosema Species Identification #7 Nosema Species Identification #8 Nosema Species Identification #9 Nosema Species Identification #10 Queen Health Assessment Queen Health Assessment #1 Queen Health Assessment #2 Queen Health Assessment #3 Queen Health Assessment #4 Queen Health Assessment #5 Queen Health Assessment #6 Queen Health Assessment #7 Queen Health Assessment #8 Queen Health Assessment #9 Queen Health Assessment #10 Sacbrood Virus Detection Sacbrood Virus Detection #1 Sacbrood Virus Detection #2 Sacbrood Virus Detection #3 Sacbrood Virus Detection #4 Sacbrood Virus Detection #5 Sacbrood Virus Detection #6 Sacbrood Virus Detection #7 Sacbrood Virus Detection #8 Sacbrood Virus Detection #9 Sacbrood Virus Detection #10 Tracheal Mite Detection Tracheal Mite Detection #1 Tracheal Mite Detection #2 Tracheal Mite Detection #3 Tracheal Mite Detection #4 Tracheal Mite Detection #5 Tracheal Mite Detection #6 Tracheal Mite Detection #7 Tracheal Mite Detection #8 Tracheal Mite Detection #9 Tracheal Mite Detection #10 Varroa Destructor Virus Varroa Destructor Virus #1 Varroa Destructor Virus #2 Varroa Destructor Virus #3 Varroa Destructor Virus #4 Varroa Destructor Virus #5 Varroa Destructor Virus #6 Varroa Destructor Virus #7 Varroa Destructor Virus #8 Varroa Destructor Virus #9 Varroa Destructor Virus #10 Varroa Mites Count Varroa Mites Count #1 Varroa Mites Count #2 Varroa Mites Count #3 Varroa Mites Count #4 Varroa Mites Count #5 Varroa Mites Count #6 Varroa Mites Count #7 Varroa Mites Count #8 Varroa Mites Count #9 Varroa Mites Count #10 Chemical Analysis Chemical Analysis #1 #2 #3 #4 #5 #6 #7 #8 #9 #10 Antibiotic Residues in Honey - Fumagillin Antibiotic Residues in Honey - Fumagillin #1 Antibiotic Residues in Honey - Fumagillin #2 Antibiotic Residues in Honey - Fumagillin #3 Antibiotic Residues in Honey - Fumagillin #4 Antibiotic Residues in Honey - Fumagillin #5 Antibiotic Residues in Honey - Fumagillin #6 Antibiotic Residues in Honey - Fumagillin #7 Antibiotic Residues in Honey - Fumagillin #8 Antibiotic Residues in Honey - Fumagillin #09 Antibiotic Residues in Honey - Fumagillin #10 Antibiotic Residues in Honey - Tetracycline Antibiotic Residues in Honey - Tetracycline #1 Antibiotic Residues in Honey - Tetracycline #2 Antibiotic Residues in Honey - Tetracycline #3 Antibiotic Residues in Honey - Tetracycline #4 Antibiotic Residues in Honey - Tetracycline #5 Antibiotic Residues in Honey - Tetracycline #6 Antibiotic Residues in Honey - Tetracycline #7 Antibiotic Residues in Honey - Tetracycline #8 Antibiotic Residues in Honey - Tetracycline #09 Antibiotic Residues in Honey - Tetracycline #10 Antibiotic Residues in Honey - Tylosin Antibiotic Residues in Honey - Tylosin #1 Antibiotic Residues in Honey - Tylosin #2 Antibiotic Residues in Honey - Tylosin #3 Antibiotic Residues in Honey - Tylosin #4 Antibiotic Residues in Honey - Tylosin #5 Antibiotic Residues in Honey - Tylosin #6 Antibiotic Residues in Honey - Tylosin #7 Antibiotic Residues in Honey - Tylosin #8 Antibiotic Residues in Honey - Tylosin #09 Antibiotic Residues in Honey - Tylosin #10 Synthetic Acaricides Synthetic Acaricides #1 Synthetic Acaricides #2 Synthetic Acaricides #3 Synthetic Acaricides #4 Synthetic Acaricides #5 Synthetic Acaricides #6 Synthetic Acaricides #7 Synthetic Acaricides #8 Synthetic Acaricides #09 Synthetic Acaricides #10 By submitting this form, you are giving us permission to contact you as needed. The personal information you provide on this form is collected under the authority of the Post-secondary Learning Act and in compliance with section 33(c) of the Alberta Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy (FOIP) Act and will only be used for the purpose of recruitment, research, and processing of your request by NWP. In pressing Submit below, you consent to this use of your personal information. Questions about the collection or use of this information should be directed to the Information and Privacy Coordinator at @email or 780-539-2068. CAPTCHA This question is for testing whether or not you are a human visitor and to prevent automated spam submissions. Get in Touch NWP National Bee Diagnostic Centre Office: BVE104 Phone: 780-357-7737 Email: NBDC@nwpolytech.ca