FASTest BEE 3T – rapid test for bee viruses (2 pcs)

FASTest BEE 3T – Rapid Test for Bee Viruses (2 pcs)

Keep track of the health status of your bee colonies without waiting for laboratory analysis. FASTest BEE 3T is a practical rapid test that helps you detect three common and serious viral infections of bees directly at the apiary site within minutes. You get results immediately, so you can act in time and with confidence.

Why it belongs in every beekeeper's equipment

Viral infections in bee colonies are often associated with varroa mite infestation (Varroa destructor), which is among the main virus vectors. FASTest BEE 3T is suitable for year-round monitoring – it helps quickly assess the situation and plan next steps. A positive finding of a specific virus can also indirectly alert to increased varroa pressure, and thus the need to adjust treatment. You'll appreciate the greatest benefit during the autumn period, when quick decision-making is often crucial for colony strength and overwintering.

What the test detects

From one sample, it qualitatively detects the presence of these three pathogens:

1. Deformed Wing Virus (DWV) – a common factor in colony weakening and collapse.

2. Acute Bee Paralysis Virus (ABPV) – rapidly progressing infection with serious impacts.

3. Sacbrood Virus (SBV) – disease affecting bee brood development.

Proven quality and innovation

FASTest BEE 3T won the gold medal in the "Scientific Innovations for Bees" category at the Apimondia 2025 World Congress in Copenhagen. This is therefore a solution that is noticed and appreciated by the professional beekeeping community.

Testing principle

The test uses immunochromatography (lateral flow), similar to well-known antigen tests. The sample mixed with buffer progresses through the membrane, where any viral antigens bind to antibodies and create visible test lines. The procedure is clean, simple and requires no laboratory equipment – you can handle it directly at the hive.

Package contents and sample preparation

The package contains everything needed for two complete tests: tweezers, two sets of test strips (3 pcs each), test tubes with pestle and appropriate solutions. For one test, collect 5 bees or 5 larvae/pupae (brood), crush the sample with the included pestle and mix with the solution according to instructions. Before testing, allow all components and the sample to reach room temperature (15–25 °C).

Technical specifications

Bee health and viral diseases

Honey bees (Apis mellifera) are among the three most important farm animals in the world due to their pollination of a large number of crop and ornamental plants. This key ecosystem service is essential for sustainable, productive agriculture and for maintaining non-agricultural ecosystems. Therefore, monitoring the health status and vitality of bee colonies plays a crucial role. In addition to numerous parasites and fungi (e.g., Varroa destructor and Nosema spp.), viruses also pose a major threat to bee health and welfare (e.g., Deformed Wing Virus – DWV, Acute Bee Paralysis Virus – ABPV, Sacbrood Virus – SBV).

DWV (Deformed Wing Virus) can cause characteristic disease symptoms as a result of stress (heavy infestation with V. destructor mite, food shortage, incorrect colony treatment): shriveled wings incapable of flight, reduced body size and color changes in adult bees.

SBV (Sacbrood Virus) causes significant morphological changes in brood (pupation does not occur, sac-like accumulation of molting fluid, color change from pearly white to light yellow, drying after death in the form of dark brown, boat-shaped scales). Adult bees undergo infection without noticeable disease symptoms, manifesting only in shortened lifespan.

ABPV (Acute Bee Paralysis Virus) multiplies primarily in pupae. The infection, after activation (by mite infestation, bacterial infections, environmental pollution, chemicals, insecticides, etc.), is characterized by rapidly progressing paralysis, trembling, inability to fly, gradual darkening and loss of hair on the thorax and abdomen, as well as rapid death of adult bees.

Numerous studies suggest that there is a mutual relationship between the degree of infestation with Varroa destructor (varroa mite) and certain viral diseases (especially DWV, ABPV, SBV). The Varroa mite serves as a virus reservoir and vector. This fatal combination is considered the main cause of winter mortality! The DWV virus shows the strongest correlation between mite infestation rate and viral load.

For estimating and limiting these winter mortalities, direct on-site virus detection using FASTest® BEE 3T represents a fast and simple diagnostic tool for beekeepers. In case of a positive result, prophylactic measures can be initiated immediately (e.g., varroa suppression).

Safety instructions

• For hygiene reasons, it is recommended to wear disposable gloves and other personal protective equipment (protective clothing, possibly a mask). After completing the test, wash and disinfect your hands.

• Label the sample material, sample tubes and corresponding test strips to ensure accurate assignment.

• Use a new sample tube and new test strips for each test.

• The buffer solution contains low concentrations of toxic sodium azide as a preservative. Absolutely prevent contact with skin/eyes and/or ingestion by mouth/inhalation through nose.

• Sample material must be considered potentially infectious and, together with used test kit components, must be disposed of after testing in a manner that is safe for bees (out of their reach).