What it measures
Skin scraped from a burrow or itchy patch is looked at under the microscope for scabies mites, their eggs or droppings. Scabies is caused by tiny mites that burrow into the skin.
Why people test it
- Used to confirm scabies when an itchy rash does not settle or its cause is unclear.
- Checked when someone in the household or another close contact has scabies.
Typical range
Reported as mites, eggs or droppings seen or not seen; a negative scraping does not always rule scabies out, as mites can be missed. Methods vary between labs, and your report shows how the lab reads the result.
Finger-prick or vein?
A skin scraping, not blood. Offered as a kit only, with the sample posted to the lab.