Biological Marker(s)
N/A. The ink test only highlights burrows and doesn’t detect mites or antibodies.
Window Period
N/A. Results reflect what’s visible at the time of examination.
Sample Required
No sample needed. Diagnosis may be confirmed by skin scraping if scabies is suspected.
Turn Around Time
Results are available immediately.
Locations
London, Birmingham
Fees
£150. Learn more.
Journey Overview
#1 Pre-Appointment Questionnaire
To ensure enough time for questions and discussions, we ask you to fill out a simple questionnaire before your appointment.
#2 Consultation
We will begin by assessing your medical and symptom history, reviewing any itch patterns (e.g., worse at night), exposures, or previous treatments, and discussing any questions you may have.
#3 Examination & Testing
A targeted skin examination will be performed, focusing on typical sites (finger webs, wrists, waistline, buttocks, breasts/genitals; and in children, the scalp, palms, and soles).
The Burrow Ink Test involves applying water-based ink over suspected tracks and wiping it with an alcohol swab; a residual wavy line suggests a burrow.
#4 Results & Diagnosis
Results are available immediately and reflect what is visible at the time of examination.
Diagnosis is made using clinical findings and, where possible, supported by microscopy or a skin scrape. Microscopy is usually available during the same visit, and skin scraping results are typically ready within two weeks.
A summary of findings, IACS level, and results will be provided at the end of the appointment.
#5 Treatment
We are able to offer you Scabies treatment in house. We may also be able to offer this to you before you receive your results to help with your symptoms.
Fees
Genital Dermatology Consultation
Specialist Nurse: £150 (included in tests)
Specialist Doctor: £150 (not included in tests)
16s rRNA Bacterial Gene Detection & Sequencing Test
£250
18s rRNA Fungal Gene Detection & Sequencing Test
£250
Bacterial Culture and Sensitivity Test
£150
Skin Scraping (e.g. For Scabies)
£200
Scabies Ink Test
£150
FAQs
A clinician gently rubs a washable, water-based marker over skin where scabies is suspected, then wipes it off with an alcohol swab. If a burrow is present, a thin wavy/dark line remains where the ink has settled in the tiny tunnel. The ink test helps locate burrows; diagnosis is made by a clinician and may be confirmed with a skin scraping test.
The Scabies Ink Test is used to help visualise scabies burrows under the skin. It doesn't have a window period in the same way as tests for infections like HIV or chlamydia. The test is performed when scabies is suspected, and the results are immediate. A Specialist Healthcare Professional can best advise you on whether this test is appropriate for your specific situation.
No. The ink test shows what is visible at the time of examination. Early infection, scratched/eczema-covered skin, or very few burrows can make the test negative even if scabies is present. (With a first infection, symptoms can take 2–6 weeks to appear.)
Scabies mites (Sarcoptes scabiei var. hominis) create tiny tunnels in the top skin layer (stratum corneum). Water-based ink briefly fills these tunnels and is retained when the surface ink is wiped away, outlining the burrow.
A positive (a clear ink-outlined burrow) is helpful and makes scabies more likely, but the test can miss cases—so a negative result does not rule out scabies. Clinicians often add skin scraping for microscopy, which confirms the diagnosis by finding a mite, egg or fecal pellet.
If you have an itch (often worse at night) with a new rash—especially in the finger webs, wrists, waistline, buttocks, breasts or genitals (and in children, also the scalp, palms, and soles)—book a clinical assessment. Your clinician will decide whether the ink test or another method is best.
Yes. A skin examination is usually required to assess the rash properly and decide on testing and treatment.
Yes. Clinicians may use skin scraping for microscopy (confirmation). In some specialist settings, PCR test may be used.
In the clinic, the result is immediate and explained face-to-face.
The ink test is a visual aid, not a lab test. We record one of the following:
- Burrow visualised with ink → scabies more likely; we may confirm with a skin scraping test.
- No burrow visualised → scabies not excluded; early disease or scratched/eczema skin can hide burrows.
If microscopy is done, results are reported as mite/egg/fecal pellets seen (confirmed) or not seen (does not rule out scabies). Final diagnosis follows IACS 2020 criteria.
Often we start treatment on clinical grounds rather than waiting for lab confirmation to reduce spread. If we do need to wait (e.g., for microscopy in special cases), try to avoid prolonged skin-to-skin contact and don’t share towels, bedding or clothing. If advised to treat, treat all household/close contacts at the same time.
We’ll agree on a plan. In the UK, permethrin 5% cream is first-line; oral ivermectin is used in certain situations (e.g., crusted scabies, outbreaks, or when topical treatment is impractical). Some alternatives exist if permethrin isn’t suitable. We’ll also advise:
- Treat all household/intimate contacts simultaneously.
- Laundry: wash clothes/towels/bedding used in the last 3 days at ≥60°C (or tumble-dry hot); items that can’t be washed can be sealed in a bag for 72 hours.
Itch can persist for 2–6 weeks after effective treatment—this doesn’t necessarily mean failure. Follow-up is arranged if symptoms persist.
Yes—please inform sexual partners, household members, and other close contacts so they can be assessed and treated at the same time. This limits further transmission and reinfestation.
For patients needing testing for official purposes, we will record your driving license or passport number and expiry date, which will be used to issue a certificate of testing.
Patient Feedback
Page last reviewed by Dr. Manoj Malu (Clinical Director) on 30 October 2025 for general guidance only. It is not intended to replace the advice of your clinician.