Vibrio parahaemolyticus Testing for Oysters

Submission guidelines for oyster samples for Vibrio parahaemolyticus testing.

Quantity/Condition

Submit 16-20 live, intact, clean oysters per sampling location.

The outside of the shells should be clean - in ready-to-sell condition.
Care must be taken to avoid damaging the shell and cross-contaminating samples.
Each sample must be submitted in a clean, sealed plastic bag to prevent contamination and/or co-mingling of different samples.

Documentation/Labeling

Label each sample with the following information:

lease number
specific location within the lease
depuration tank
date and time of sample collection
date and time of harvest (if appropriate)
ambient temperature of the water at the exact location where the oysters were collected
name of person who collected samples

Storage/Temperature Guidelines

Samples must be cooled immediately after collection by placing samples into a clean ice chest with enough blue ice to chill and hold samples at 4° to 10° C.
Direct contact with wet ice should be avoided.
Maintain samples at 2° to 10° C during storage and transport. Use of cool packs is recommended - do not use wet ice.
Oysters must be received at the lab within 22 hours of harvest. Samples must be received at lab by 3:00 p.m. to ensure same day testing.

Sample Submission

Make pre-arrangements for testing with laboratory: (707) 565-4711

Samples accepted: Monday - Thursday, 8:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.*

* Exceptions may apply on and/or around observed holidays - call for details.

Delivery Address

Sonoma County Public Health Laboratory
3313 Chanate Road
Santa Rosa, CA 95404

Pricing and Results

Cost: $148/set

Results typically available the following day by 4:00 p.m. or earlier.

Reference: 2013 Vibriparahaemolyticus Control Plan for Oysters in Commercial Shellfish Growing Areas of California, California Department of Public Health.