Expiry 07/24

American Foulbrood (AFB) is an infectious, bacterial brood disease that weakens and kills bee colonies.
It is important to detect symptoms early as this disease can spread quite quickly to other colonies around.

This AFB test kit works like a home pregnancy test. It generates immediate results.
It specifically reacts to antibodies associated with the pathogen Paenibacillus larvae subsp. larvae which causes AFB in honeybees

Extract a larva showing suspicious symptoms with the spatula.
You can sample several larvae or scales if needed, BUT don’t put too much organic material in the sample bottle – it may clog the device.
Only tiny tiny samples are needed.

Unscrew lid from the Extraction Bottle.
Use the spatula to deposit sample in the bottle.
Replace the lid and shake vigorously for about 20 seconds. BEWARE – the bottle contains buffer and sodium azide.

Remove a Test Device from foil pack. WARNING Do not touch viewing window.
Unscrew lid of Extraction Bottle and use the supplied pipette to remove a sample from the bottle.

For best results remove the sample immediately after shaking to prevent bacteria from settling out of suspension.

Hold the Test Device horizontally and gently squeeze two drops onto the sample well of the device.
Keep device horizontal until extract is absorbed (c 30 seconds) and a blue dye appears in the viewing window.
Wait until the control line appears (labelled C) and read the result (c1-3 minutes)

READING THE RESULTS:
A positive result: (two lines show up – both Test and Control) indicates that the target pathogen is present in the test sample, that is that the cell sampled contained infection by American Foulbrood.
A negative result (Control line shows up only, no Test line) indicates that the AFB pathogen has not been detected in the test sample

Kits can be used only once and are disposable.

The foil pack should be kept unopened and stored at room temperature (18-25°C) until required.
The devices must be kept dry at all times.

Once the foil pack is opened the shelf life of the devices is not guaranteed, so it should be used as soon as possible after opening.

The window of the test device should not be touched.
If the device appears damaged, scratched, or marked in any way please contact us.
Read all instructions before using test kits.
CAUTION: This kit contains sodium azide in the extraction buffer, which is toxic. Handle carefully and avoid ingestion and contact with the skin.
Sodium azide may form explosive copper or lead azides in plumbing systems.
Always dispose of material containing azide by flushing copiously with water.

AFB Testing

American Foulbrood (AFB) Test Kit - EXP 07/2024