Is there a test for dark or stained fibre?

There is no test for dark or stained fibre in greasy wool.

Despite the fact that a small pocket of dark or stained fibre located in one "patch" in the bale is enough to cause processing concerns, it is not possible to have a reliable sampling method for such contamination. Once wool is processed to top, and there has been extensive blending of the fibres, the dark fibre will be relatively uniformly distributed and testing is possible.

Farm management practices to minimise dark or stained fibre contamination are well known and well established. It is critically important that all wool growers adhere to these practices. The Australian wool clip, contrary to wool clips from some other countries, is renown for its quality overall and also the low risk of dark fibre contamination. A significant reduction in the management practices which leads to increased dark fibre contamination is likely to lead to a discounting of the entire clip.