Where can a tick be submitted for analysis?

Understanding the Importance of Tick Analysis

Why Analyze a Tick?

Identifying Potential Diseases

Ticks may harbor bacteria, viruses, and protozoa that cause illnesses such as Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, anaplasmosis, babesiosis, and ehrlichiosis. Accurate identification of these agents requires laboratory testing of the tick’s species, life stage, and infection status. Early detection guides appropriate medical treatment and informs public‑health interventions.

Submission options include:

State or provincial public‑health laboratories, which accept ticks for species confirmation and pathogen screening.
University or research institution laboratories with entomology or vector‑biology programs.
Certified commercial diagnostic services that provide tick testing for clinicians and the public.
Veterinary clinics that partner with diagnostic labs for animal‑related tick analysis.
Online tick‑testing programs that supply collection kits and forward specimens to accredited laboratories.

Each venue follows standardized protocols for specimen handling, documentation, and result reporting. Selecting a certified laboratory ensures reliable identification of potential disease agents carried by the tick.

Guiding Treatment Decisions

Submitting a tick for laboratory examination provides the pathogen profile needed to select an appropriate therapeutic regimen. Identification of bacterial, viral, or protozoan agents determines whether antibiotics, antivirals, or supportive care are indicated, and it clarifies the duration and dosage required for effective treatment.

State health department laboratories (e.g., county or provincial public health labs) accept tick specimens for routine testing.
University-affiliated entomology or microbiology departments conduct advanced analyses, including molecular sequencing.
Commercial diagnostic companies specialize in tick-borne disease panels and offer mail‑in services.
Veterinary diagnostic labs process ticks collected from animals and can report zoonotic pathogens relevant to human exposure.

Laboratory results guide clinicians in three ways: confirming the presence of a specific pathogen, ruling out infections that would otherwise trigger unnecessary medication, and providing susceptibility data that shape drug selection. Prompt submission and accurate identification therefore reduce empirical prescribing and improve patient outcomes.

Public Health Surveillance

Ticks collected for diagnostic or epidemiological purposes are typically sent to laboratories that specialize in vector-borne disease testing. Public health agencies maintain designated channels for such specimens.

State or provincial health department laboratories, often part of the environmental health division, receive ticks for species identification and pathogen screening.
Federal centers, such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Arbovirus Reference Laboratory, accept submissions from clinicians, researchers, and the public.
University-affiliated entomology or microbiology labs with accredited vector‑testing programs provide additional capacity, especially for research projects.
Commercial diagnostic services that hold CLIA certification process ticks for routine testing of Borrelia, Anaplasma, Ehrlichia, and other agents.

Submission procedures generally require a sealed container, appropriate labeling with collection date, location, and host information, and a completed request form. Some jurisdictions offer online portals to arrange courier pickup or mail‑in shipping. Coordination with local health authorities ensures that data from tick analysis feed into surveillance systems, supporting timely detection of emerging disease threats.

Where to Submit a Tick for Analysis

Local Health Departments and Public Health Labs

Services Offered

Submitting a tick for examination is supported by several professional services. Laboratories accredited for arthropod diagnostics accept specimens from individuals, clinicians, and researchers. These facilities provide morphological identification, DNA barcoding, and pathogen screening for bacteria, viruses, and protozoa. Results are delivered in written reports that include species confirmation, infection status, and recommendations for treatment or preventive measures.

Veterinary practices partner with diagnostic labs to process ticks collected from pets. They arrange secure packaging, courier dispatch, and billing under a single invoice. Veterinary services often include follow‑up consultations to interpret findings and advise on tick control strategies.

Public health departments operate regional centers that receive ticks from the community. Their offerings comprise routine surveillance testing, outbreak investigation, and data submission to national databases. Fees are typically waived for residents; contact details are posted on official websites.

University research units accept ticks for advanced analyses such as whole‑genome sequencing and experimental infection studies. Researchers can request custom assays, receive raw data files, and obtain co‑authorship on publications when appropriate.

Private diagnostic companies provide online portals where clients upload collection details, print prepaid shipping labels, and track sample progress. Packages are mailed to specialized facilities that perform rapid PCR panels and issue electronic results within 48 hours.

Key service attributes include:

Certified personnel handling specimens
Chain‑of‑custody documentation
Confidential reporting
Turnaround times ranging from 24 hours to two weeks
Transparent pricing structures

Choosing the appropriate service depends on the submitter’s purpose—clinical diagnosis, public‑health monitoring, or scientific research. All options ensure that tick specimens are processed under controlled conditions to generate reliable, actionable information.

Collection and Submission Guidelines

Ticks collected from humans, pets, or the environment should be handled with care to preserve diagnostic value. Use fine‑point tweezers to grasp the tick as close to the skin as possible, pull straight upward without crushing the body, and place the specimen in a labeled, sealable container. Preferred containers are 1.5‑ml microcentrifuge tubes or small vials containing 70 % ethanol; for live‑tick testing, use a breathable container with a moist cotton plug and keep at 4 °C. Include the following information on the label: collection date, geographic location (latitude/longitude or nearest landmark), host species, and collector’s contact details.

Submission destinations include:

State or provincial public health laboratories that operate vector‑borne disease programs.
University or research institution entomology departments that accept external specimens.
Commercial diagnostic services accredited for tick‑borne pathogen testing.
National reference centers (e.g., CDC’s Division of Vector‑Borne Diseases) for complex or rare cases.

When mailing, pack the sealed container within a secondary, rigid box, add absorbent material, and mark the package as “Biological Specimen – Non‑Infectious.” Use a trackable courier service and retain the tracking number. Follow any additional forms or consent requirements supplied by the receiving laboratory. Prompt submission—ideally within 48 hours of collection—maximizes detection accuracy for pathogens such as Borrelia, Anaplasma, or Rickettsia.

Private Laboratories and Testing Facilities

Advantages of Private Labs

Submitting a tick for laboratory examination often requires prompt and reliable service. Private laboratories provide distinct benefits that address this need directly.

Turnaround time typically shorter than public facilities, enabling rapid results.
Specialists with focused experience in arthropod identification and pathogen detection.
Scheduling flexibility, including same‑day receipt and extended operating hours.
Confidential handling of specimens and results, protecting client privacy.
Customizable test panels that can target specific pathogens or research objectives.
Direct communication channels with the scientists conducting the analysis.

Private providers usually accept specimens through mail or courier services, eliminating the necessity for in‑person drop‑off at government or academic labs. This convenience reduces logistical delays and associated costs.

Choosing a private laboratory can therefore accelerate diagnosis, enhance result accuracy, and support timely clinical or veterinary interventions.

Cost and Turnaround Time Considerations

Submitting a tick for laboratory identification involves weighing fees and expected reporting periods. Public health laboratories typically charge a flat fee ranging from $20 to $50 per specimen, with discounts for bulk submissions or academic research projects. Private diagnostic firms often apply tiered pricing: basic morphological identification may cost $30, while molecular confirmation (e.g., PCR or sequencing) can rise to $150–$250. Shipping expenses add $5–$15, depending on carrier and distance, and some facilities waive this charge for local drop‑offs.

Turnaround time varies by provider and test complexity. Standard microscopy results are usually returned within 3–5 business days for government labs and 2–4 days for commercial services. Molecular assays extend the interval to 7–10 days, with expedited options (express shipping and priority processing) reducing it to 3–5 days at an additional surcharge of 20–30 % of the base fee. Remote clinics that forward specimens to regional reference centers often experience a 2‑day delay for transit before analysis begins.

When budgeting, consider the total cost equation: base fee + shipping + optional priority surcharge. Compare this against the required speed of results; urgent clinical decisions justify higher fees, while routine surveillance can rely on standard rates and longer reporting windows. Selecting a submission venue therefore hinges on the balance between financial constraints and the need for rapid identification.

University and Research Institutions

Specialized Testing Options

Submitting a tick for laboratory examination requires access to facilities equipped for species identification and pathogen detection. Specialized testing options include:

State or regional public health laboratories that offer routine vector‑borne disease panels.
University or research institutions with entomology departments that perform molecular assays for bacterial, viral, and protozoan agents.
Commercial diagnostic companies providing tick‑specific testing kits and next‑generation sequencing services.
Veterinary diagnostic laboratories that accept animal‑derived specimens for zoonotic pathogen screening.
Dedicated tick‑testing services operated by nonprofit organizations or private consultants.

Each provider typically requests that the specimen be placed in a sealed, breathable container (e.g., a ventilated vial) with a moist cotton plug, labeled with collection date, location, and host information. Preservation in 70 % ethanol is acceptable for morphological identification, while live or frozen specimens are preferred for nucleic‑acid extraction.

Contact details are usually listed on the institution’s website; many offer online submission forms, email instructions, or a toll‑free hotline. Turnaround times range from 48 hours for rapid PCR panels to several weeks for comprehensive metagenomic analysis. Fees vary according to test complexity, with public health labs often providing reduced rates for surveillance projects, while commercial services charge per assay.

Contribution to Scientific Research

Ticks submitted by citizens, clinicians, or field workers become valuable data for epidemiological studies and pathogen discovery. Sending specimens to recognized facilities expands the geographic and temporal coverage of surveillance networks, directly influencing research outcomes.

University laboratories that host entomology or vector‑borne disease programs
State or national public‑health agencies operating diagnostic or reference centers
Dedicated vector‑surveillance programs coordinated by governmental or non‑governmental organizations
Certified commercial diagnostic laboratories offering species identification and pathogen testing
Natural history museums or research collections that maintain voucher specimens

Standard submission guidelines include placing the tick in a sealed, ventilated container, adding a moist cotton pad to prevent desiccation, and attaching a label with collection date, location (coordinates if possible), host information, and collector contact details. Most institutions provide online forms or email addresses for pre‑submission inquiries.

Incorporating these specimens into research databases yields precise maps of tick distribution, detects emergence of novel pathogens, and supports the development of predictive models for disease risk. Each contribution refines the scientific understanding of vector ecology and informs public‑health interventions.

Veterinarian Offices (for Animal Exposure)

Initial Assessment and Advice

The first step after finding a tick is a rapid visual examination. Identify the tick’s developmental stage (larva, nymph, adult), note the attachment site, and estimate the duration of feeding. Record the date of discovery and the geographic location where it was collected. This information forms the basis of a reliable initial assessment.

For laboratory analysis, specimens can be sent to the following facilities:

State or provincial public health laboratories that operate vector‑borne disease programs.
Veterinary diagnostic centers affiliated with animal hospitals or research institutions.
University departments of entomology or microbiology that offer tick‑testing services.
Commercial companies specializing in arthropod identification and pathogen screening.
Local health department vector surveillance units that accept community submissions.

When preparing a submission, include a high‑resolution photograph of the intact tick, a completed request form detailing species, collection date, and exposure site, and a sterile container with a preservative such as 70 % ethanol. Ensure the label matches the accompanying documentation.

After the laboratory returns results, interpret them according to established guidelines: a positive pathogen test warrants prompt medical evaluation, while a negative result does not eliminate the need for symptom monitoring. Follow local treatment protocols and report any emerging signs to a healthcare provider without delay.

Referral to Specialized Labs

Ticks intended for identification or pathogen testing should be directed to laboratories equipped with entomological expertise and molecular diagnostics. Specialized facilities possess validated protocols for species determination, detection of bacterial, viral, or protozoan agents, and can generate reports suitable for clinical or epidemiological use.

Referral to a specialized laboratory typically follows these steps: confirm that the specimen is intact, record collection date, location, host species, and any observable symptoms; contact the laboratory to verify acceptance criteria and required documentation; arrange safe packaging and transport in accordance with biohazard regulations; and retain the accession number for follow‑up.

Common referral destinations include:

State or provincial public health laboratories that operate under governmental disease surveillance programs.
University or research institute laboratories with entomology departments and accredited molecular testing capabilities.
Private diagnostic companies offering commercial tick‑analysis services, often with rapid turnaround times.

Before shipment, cleanse the container, label it clearly, and include a brief submission form detailing the tick’s origin and the purpose of analysis. Confirm receipt with the laboratory and request the final report in the preferred format.

Preparing a Tick for Submission

Safe Removal Techniques

Tools and Methods

Ticks collected for diagnostic or research purposes require proper handling and submission to qualified facilities. Reliable outcomes depend on using appropriate collection instruments, preserving the specimen correctly, and selecting a suitable analytical service.

Essential collection tools

Fine‑point tweezers or forceps for safe removal
Sterile, sealable vials or tubes with a breathable lid
70 % ethanol or RNAlater for preservation, depending on the intended test
Waterproof labels containing date, location (GPS coordinates if possible), host information, and collector’s name
Disposable gloves to prevent contamination

Primary submission venues

State or regional public‑health laboratories that offer routine tick identification and pathogen screening
University entomology or vector‑biology departments with specialized expertise
Commercial diagnostic companies providing DNA‑based testing services
Non‑profit organizations operating citizen‑science tick‑submission portals

Analytical methods employed by these facilities

Morphological examination under stereomicroscope to confirm species and life stage
Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) targeting specific pathogen genes (e.g., Borrelia, Anaplasma, Rickettsia)
DNA barcoding using mitochondrial COI sequences for precise taxonomic placement
Quantitative PCR (qPCR) for pathogen load estimation
Next‑generation sequencing for comprehensive microbiome profiling

Adhering to the outlined tools and methods ensures that the tick sample reaches the laboratory in optimal condition, enabling accurate identification and reliable detection of associated pathogens.

Precautions to Take

When a tick is collected for laboratory identification, strict handling safeguards both the specimen’s integrity and the safety of personnel.

Wear disposable gloves; avoid skin contact.
Place the tick in a sealable vial containing 70 % ethanol or other approved preservative.
Label the vial with collection date, precise geographic coordinates, host species, and collector’s name.
Store the vial at a stable, cool temperature; prevent exposure to direct sunlight or freezing.
Complete the laboratory’s submission form, providing all required details without omission.
Ship the specimen promptly, using insulated packaging if transit time exceeds 24 hours.
Disinfect the exterior of the container with an appropriate antiseptic before packaging.
Preserve a duplicate specimen, if possible, for future reference or verification.

After dispatch, confirm receipt with the receiving laboratory, retain all correspondence, and record any accession numbers for subsequent tracking.

Proper Storage and Packaging

Materials for Storage

When a tick is collected for laboratory examination, preserving its integrity is essential. Appropriate storage materials prevent degradation of morphological features and DNA, ensuring reliable results.

Use a rigid, leak‑proof container such as a 1.5‑ml microcentrifuge tube, a small screw‑cap vial, or a sealed plastic specimen jar. The interior should be dry; avoid absorbent pads that could retain moisture. If immediate analysis is not possible, place the tick in 70 % ethanol, ensuring the specimen is fully submerged. For molecular studies, store the tick at –20 °C or –80 °C in a cryovial without preservative, adding a small volume of RNAlater if RNA extraction is planned.

Label each container with:

Collection date
Geographic coordinates or location description
Collector’s name
Host species (if known)

The labeled specimen can be dispatched to any accredited facility that processes arthropod vectors. Accepting institutions include:

State or provincial public health laboratories
University departments of entomology or vector biology
Federal agencies such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Veterinary diagnostic centers with a focus on tick‑borne diseases
Commercial reference laboratories specializing in vector identification

Package the container according to biosafety regulations, using secondary containment and a cold pack when required. Prompt delivery, ideally within 48 hours, maximizes the likelihood of accurate identification and pathogen detection.

Labeling Requirements

The label attached to a tick submitted for diagnostic testing must convey all data required for accurate identification, epidemiological tracking, and laboratory processing. Incomplete or ambiguous labeling compromises results and may delay public‑health response.

Essential label elements:

Species or life stage (adult, nymph, larva) if known.
Collection date in ISO format (YYYY‑MM‑DD).
Precise geographic coordinates (latitude, longitude) or a detailed description of the collection site (e.g., park name, trail marker, address).
Collector’s full name and institutional affiliation.
Contact telephone number and email address for follow‑up queries.
Preservation method used (e.g., 70 % ethanol, frozen at –20 °C) and duration of storage before shipping.
Unique specimen identifier (barcode or alphanumeric code) that matches the accompanying submission form.

Additional information that enhances interpretation:

Host species from which the tick was removed.
Environmental conditions at the time of collection (temperature, humidity).
Any observed abnormalities or engorgement status.

Submission locations accepting tick specimens include state health department laboratories, the CDC’s Arthropod‑Borne Disease Diagnostic Laboratory, university entomology departments, and accredited veterinary diagnostic centers. Each facility provides a standardized submission form that must be completed in parallel with the specimen label. Failure to adhere to the labeling requirements listed above may result in specimen rejection or the need for resubmission.

Information to Provide with the Tick

Date and Location of Bite

Accurate documentation of the bite’s date and location is a prerequisite for reliable laboratory evaluation of a tick specimen. The information determines the likely incubation period of any transmitted pathogen and correlates the finding with regional disease prevalence.

Key data to record:

Calendar date of the bite (day, month, year).
Approximate time of day (morning, afternoon, evening).
Precise geographic point (GPS coordinates, address, or landmark).
Habitat description (wooded area, grassland, urban park, residential yard).
Environmental conditions (temperature, humidity, recent weather events).

Laboratories use these details to select appropriate diagnostic assays, assess risk levels, and provide targeted medical guidance. Providing complete date and location information reduces diagnostic uncertainty and expedites the reporting process.

Symptoms Experienced

A tick that has been attached to a person should be sent for examination when the individual develops clinical signs that suggest a possible infection. Prompt submission allows health professionals to identify the tick species, assess infection risk, and guide appropriate treatment.

Common clinical manifestations after a tick bite include:

Localized redness or swelling at the attachment site
A central punctum surrounded by expanding erythema (often described as a “bull’s‑eye” rash)
Fever, chills, or malaise developing within days to weeks
Headache, muscle aches, or joint pain
Nausea, vomiting, or abdominal discomfort
Neurological symptoms such as tingling, weakness, or facial paralysis

If any of these symptoms appear, the tick can be dispatched to:

State or local public health laboratories that offer tick testing services
Hospital or clinic microbiology departments equipped to process arthropod specimens
Commercial diagnostic companies that specialize in vector‑borne disease analysis
Veterinary or university research facilities that accept wildlife samples for identification

Submitting the specimen to one of these facilities enables accurate species determination, detection of pathogens such as Borrelia, Anaplasma, or Rickettsia, and informs the clinician’s decision‑making process regarding antimicrobial therapy or further diagnostic work‑up.

What to Expect from Tick Analysis Results

Types of Pathogens Tested

Common Tick-Borne Diseases

When a tick is removed from a person or animal, submitting it for laboratory examination enables precise identification of the species and detection of pathogens it may carry. Accurate analysis informs appropriate medical or veterinary response.

Common tick‑borne diseases include:

Lyme disease, caused by Borrelia burgdorferi complex bacteria, presenting with erythema migrans and flu‑like symptoms.
Anaplasmosis, caused by Anaplasma phagocytophilum, producing fever, headache, and leukopenia.
Babesiosis, a protozoan infection (Babesia microti) that can cause hemolytic anemia.
Rocky Mountain spotted fever, resulting from Rickettsia rickettsii, characterized by rash and high fever.
Ehrlichiosis, due to Ehrlichia chaffeensis, leading to fever, muscle aches, and thrombocytopenia.
Powassan virus disease, a rare flavivirus infection that may cause encephalitis.

Ticks can be submitted for testing at the following facilities:

State or provincial public health laboratories, which accept mailed specimens with accompanying collection forms.
University or research institution laboratories that operate vector‑borne disease programs, often providing online submission portals.
Commercial diagnostic companies offering mail‑in kits for tick identification and pathogen screening.
Veterinary diagnostic laboratories, accessible through animal clinics or veterinary schools.
Local health department offices, which may forward samples to regional reference labs.

Effective submission requires placing the tick in a sealed container, labeling with collection date, location, and host information, and shipping at ambient temperature unless otherwise instructed. Prompt delivery, ideally within 48 hours, maximizes detection sensitivity for most pathogens.

Less Common Infections

Tick specimens that are not part of routine surveillance often require specialized evaluation to identify uncommon pathogens such as Rickettsia, Bartonella, or novel viral agents. Diagnostic facilities capable of processing such samples include:

State or provincial public health laboratories that offer tick‑borne disease testing on a case‑by‑case basis. Contact the local health department for submission guidelines and required packaging.
University or research institution laboratories with expertise in vector‑borne pathogens. These centers typically accept ticks for molecular assays, culture, or next‑generation sequencing, provided a formal request and appropriate permits are submitted.
Veterinary diagnostic laboratories that serve animal health professionals. Many of these labs conduct PCR and serology for tick‑borne infections affecting companion and livestock animals and will process specimens from human cases upon request.
Commercial reference laboratories specializing in infectious disease diagnostics. Companies such as Quest Diagnostics, Labcorp, and specialized tick‑testing firms provide services for rare agents, often requiring an ordering physician and a fee schedule.
Federal agencies, for example the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) or the National Institutes of Health (NIH), which operate dedicated tick‑analysis programs. Submissions are typically coordinated through state health officials or directly via established electronic portals for research collaborations.

When preparing a tick for shipment, follow these steps:

Place the specimen in a sterile, sealed container with a moist cotton ball to maintain viability.
Label with collection date, geographic location, host species, and any clinical information.
Include a completed submission form that specifies the desired tests (e.g., PCR for Borrelia spp., metagenomic sequencing).
Ship via overnight courier with cold‑pack insulation, adhering to the receiving laboratory’s biosafety regulations.

Accurate identification of rare tick‑borne infections depends on selecting a laboratory equipped with the necessary molecular and culture capabilities, and on providing comprehensive specimen data.

Interpreting the Results

Positive vs. Negative Findings

Submitting a tick for laboratory examination requires a facility equipped for arthropod identification and pathogen detection. Options include state public‑health laboratories, university research centers with vector‑disease programs, accredited commercial diagnostic companies, and veterinary clinics that partner with diagnostic labs. Many agencies provide mail‑in kits or drop‑off points for specimens.

State or provincial health department labs
University entomology or microbiology departments
Certified private diagnostic services (e.g., tick testing companies)
Veterinary practices linked to diagnostic laboratories

A positive result confirms the presence of one or more pathogens such as Borrelia, Anaplasma, Ehrlichia, or tick‑borne viruses. It signals a potential health risk for the host, triggers clinical monitoring, and may guide prophylactic or therapeutic measures. Positive findings also contribute to regional surveillance data, informing public‑health interventions.

A negative result indicates that the tested tick did not contain the targeted agents at detectable levels. It does not guarantee absence of all possible pathogens, as some may be below assay sensitivity or not included in the test panel. Negative outcomes still provide useful information for risk assessment and support ongoing surveillance efforts.

Implications for Treatment

Submitting a tick for laboratory examination determines the therapeutic pathway. Professional reference laboratories, university veterinary departments, and accredited public health agencies accept specimens. Each venue follows validated protocols that identify the species, pathogen load, and resistance patterns, which directly influence clinical decisions.

Key treatment implications derived from the analysis result are:

Confirmed pathogen presence prompts immediate antimicrobial or antiparasitic therapy tailored to the identified organism.
Negative findings support a watch‑and‑wait approach, reducing unnecessary drug exposure.
Detection of antibiotic‑resistant strains guides selection of alternative agents, preventing treatment failure.
Species identification informs risk assessment for co‑infection and informs preventive counseling for future exposures.

Prompt submission to an appropriate facility shortens the interval between exposure and targeted therapy, optimizing patient outcomes and limiting disease progression.

Follow-Up Actions

Consulting with a Healthcare Provider

Consulting a healthcare provider is the first step after finding a tick on a person or pet. The provider assesses the bite, evaluates the risk of disease transmission, and determines whether laboratory testing is necessary.

If testing is recommended, the provider supplies guidance on where to send the specimen. Common destinations for tick analysis include:

State or local public health laboratory
University or veterinary school entomology department
Certified private diagnostic laboratory
Commercial online tick testing service authorized by health authorities

The provider instructs on proper collection, preservation, and labeling of the tick. Required details typically encompass:

Date of removal
Exact location of attachment
Geographic area where the tick was found
Patient’s symptoms, if any

After submission, the provider interprets the laboratory report and advises on treatment or monitoring. Prompt communication with the healthcare professional ensures appropriate response to potential tick‑borne infections.

Monitoring for Symptoms

Monitoring for symptoms after a tick encounter is essential for early detection of tick‑borne diseases. Individuals should record any new rash, fever, headache, muscle aches, or joint pain that develops within weeks of the bite. Documentation of symptom onset, duration, and severity assists healthcare providers in evaluating potential infection.

Check the bite site daily for expanding redness or a bullseye pattern.
Measure temperature twice daily if fever is suspected.
Note neurological signs such as facial weakness or numbness.
Report persistent or worsening symptoms to a medical professional promptly.

Ticks can be sent for laboratory evaluation through several channels. Public health laboratories, state or provincial disease control agencies, university‑affiliated vector research centers, and commercial diagnostic companies accept specimens. Submission typically requires placing the tick in a sealed container with a moist cotton ball, labeling with collection date and location, and completing a request form that includes the observer’s contact information. Shipping guidelines advise using overnight courier services with temperature control to preserve specimen integrity.