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Y-Tube Olfactometer Test
Determine the behavioral responses of mosquitoes toward mosquito repellents
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Quick understanding of the test
Y-Tube Olfactometer Test - Determine the behavioral responses of mosquitoes toward mosquito repellents
Application
- Aedes
- Anopheles
- Culex
Clean air is pumped through one arm, while odor-laden air is released through the other.
Female mosquitoes are introduced into the base tube.
The movement of mosquitoes towards either arm is observed. This movement reflects a choice and help to evaluate the attractiveness or repellency of the presented odor.
- Quantifies the efficacy of various repellents and attractants.
- Reduces risk of exposure to mosquito-borne diseases during testing.
Turnaround Time
Passing criteria
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Abstract
The olfactometer test is used in entomology to determine the behavioral responses of mosquitoes toward mosquito repellents and attractants. Like most insects, mosquitoes navigate their way using olfactory cues such as body odor, temperature, and blood group which influence their biting behaviors. The olfactometry test leverages this property of mosquitoes to test the efficacy of repellent and attractant products.
Products tested
Olfactometry test is applicable for both mosquito repellents (like creams, lotions, and spray formulations) & attractant products and insecticide-treated textiles.
Test organisms
At MIS, we test for mosquito repellent efficacy using the following mosquito species: Aedes, Anopheles, and Culex species.
Y-tube Olfactometer Test Setup
The Y-tube olfactometer consists of a Y-shaped glass or plastic tube. Each arm of the “Y” presents a different olfactory stimulus to the test subject (mosquitoes), while the single stem serves as the point where the subject is introduced.
Y-tube Olfactometer Test Principle
- Choice offering: The primary principle of the Y-tube olfactometer is to offer a choice between two different stimuli (e.g., odors and other volatile compounds) to the test subject.
- Stimulus introduction: Each arm of the Y contains a different stimulus. The setup is designed to ensure that the stimuli are evenly distributed. Also, ensure minimal mixing of both stimuli occurs before reaching the choice point where the arms diverge.
- Behavioral observation: The subject is observed as it moves up the stem of the Y and chooses one of the two arms. The choice is usually indicative of a preference for or aversion to the stimulus presented in that arm.
Y-tube Olfactometer Test Procedure
- Clean air is pumped through one arm and air loaded with a specific odor (attractant or repellent) is released through the other arm. This step creates a controlled environment where the only variable is the odor in the air streams.
- Female mosquitoes (commonly used in these tests due to their role in blood-feeding and disease transmission) are released into the base tube of the olfactometer. This point serves as the starting position for the test.
- The movement of mosquitoes towards either arm is observed. The time taken by a mosquito to reach the end of either arm is recorded. This movement indicates a choice and is used to assess the attractiveness or repellency of the odor presented.
Importance of Y-Tube Olfactometer Test
The Y-tube olfactometer test provides insights on how insects respond to various chemical cues. The method allows experts to assess the odor preferences of insects by observing their choices in a controlled environment. With the information obtained from these behavioral assays, manufacturers can develop effective repellents and attractants for efficient pest control.
Benefits of Performing the Test
- Direct comparison: The test allows for the comparison of test substances and controls which aids in quantifying the efficacy of repellents and attractants.
- Standard protocol: The test uses a standard method that can be replicated across different laboratories thus ensuring the reliability and comparability of results.
- Regulatory compliance: The test provides essential data necessary to meet regulatory requirements or product approval by regulatory bodies.
- Safety: Minimizes the risk of exposure of experts conducting the test to mosquito-borne diseases.
Regulatory requirements
- Testing professionals must comply with Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) standards.
- Testing labs must ensure compliance with applicable state laws and regulations, which may be additional to the federal requirements.
- Testing labs are required to maintain detailed records, including proposals, Institutional Review Board (IRB) reviews, consent documents, progress reports, and deviations.
Conclusion
At Microbe Investigations Switzerland, we specialize in Y-Tube Olfactometer testing to accurately evaluate the efficacy of mosquito repellents and attractants. Our expert team utilizes methodologies to provide precise and reliable results. Trust MIS to support your product’s efficacy with comprehensive testing solutions.
To learn more about our Y-Tube Olfactometer testing services or to schedule a consultation, please contact our specialists today.
Frequently Asked Questions
DR. Martinoz Scholtz
The olfactometer test is a procedure used in entomology to determine the behavioral responses of mosquitoes toward mosquito repellents and attractants.
This test is applicable for both mosquito repellent (like creams, lotions, and spray formulations) & attractant products and insecticide-treated textiles.
At MIS, we perform olfactometry tests using Ades, Anopheles, and Culex mosquito species.
The turnaround time for the test depends on the type of pests being tested and can vary from 2 weeks to 4 weeks.
Mosquito repellents are tested for their efficacy by measuring the number of mosquitoes that land or bite a test subject in a controlled environment.
Attractants are substances that lure insects by emitting smells that are attractive to them. These include carbon dioxide, lactic acid, and other chemicals that mimic human scents.
The key components of a Y-tube olfactometer setup are a Y-shaped tube, air pumps to ensure constant airflow, odor source chambers, and filters to ensure the air is neutral before entering the setup.
After completing the test, you typically receive a report detailing the behavioral responses of the insects to the tested odors. This includes statistical data analysis, graphical representations of the insects’ choices, and a summary of the findings.
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