Where can you submit a tick sample for analysis?

Understanding Tick Testing «Why Test a Tick?»

Benefits of Tick Testing «What Information Can You Get?»

Identifying Pathogens «Which Diseases Can Be Detected?»

Submitting a tick specimen to a qualified laboratory enables detection of several pathogenic agents. Molecular assays, serology, and culture techniques identify bacterial, protozoan, and viral infections transmitted by ticks. The following disease agents are routinely screened:

Borrelia burgdorferi – causative agent of Lyme disease
Anaplasma phagocytophilum – agent of human anaplasmosis
Babesia microti – responsible for babesiosis
Rickettsia rickettsii – produces Rocky Mountain spotted fever
Ehrlichia chaffeensis – causes human ehrlichiosis
Powassan virus – neuroinvasive flavivirus
Francisella tularensis – agent of tularemia
Southern tick‑associated rash illness (STARI) – associated with Borrelia lonestari
Coxiella burnetii – occasionally detected in tick pools

Specimens can be sent to the following types of facilities:

State or regional public‑health laboratories that operate tick‑testing programs
University or research institution diagnostic cores with validated PCR panels
Commercial veterinary and human diagnostic companies that accept mailed samples
Federal agencies such as the CDC’s Arbovirus Diagnostic Laboratory, which processes referrals

Proper packaging, accurate labeling of collection date, location, and host species, and inclusion of a completed submission form are required for reliable results. Laboratories typically provide a report indicating detected pathogens, quantitative load when applicable, and recommended clinical follow‑up.

Guiding Medical Decisions «How Does Testing Help Doctors?»

Testing a tick specimen provides concrete data that physicians use to determine appropriate care. Laboratory identification of the species confirms the likelihood of pathogen transmission, while molecular assays reveal the presence of bacteria, viruses, or parasites. The result directs the clinician to prescribe targeted antimicrobial therapy, decide on prophylactic measures, and advise patients on symptom monitoring. In addition, aggregated test outcomes inform public‑health authorities about emerging disease hotspots, enabling timely community interventions.

Patients or health‑care providers can send tick samples to the following facilities:

State or provincial public‑health laboratories that offer free or subsidized analysis for residents.
University‑affiliated research centers with accredited vector‑borne disease programs.
Commercial diagnostic companies that specialize in arthropod testing, accessible through online ordering portals.
Hospital or clinic laboratories that have a certified entomology department.
Non‑profit organizations operating regional tick‑testing services, often coordinated through local extension offices.

Accurate identification and pathogen detection from submitted specimens reduces diagnostic uncertainty, shortens the interval between exposure and treatment, and supports evidence‑based decision‑making at both individual and population levels.

Where to Submit Tick Samples «Options for Analysis»

Local and State Health Departments «Government Resources»

Public Health Laboratories «Availability and Services»

Public health laboratories across the United States accept tick specimens for identification, pathogen testing, and surveillance reporting. These facilities operate under state health departments or the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) network and provide standardized protocols for sample handling, molecular diagnostics, and data submission to national databases.

Typical services include:

Species determination by morphological or genetic methods
Detection of Borrelia, Anaplasma, Ehrlichia, and other tick-borne agents using PCR or sequencing
Quality‑controlled results delivered within 7‑14 days
Guidance on preventive measures and follow‑up testing
Documentation for insurance or occupational health claims

Access points for specimen submission are:

State health department laboratories (e.g., California Department of Public Health Lab, New York State Dept. of Health Wadsworth Center)
Regional CDC reference labs (e.g., CDC Arbovirus Diagnostic Laboratory, Atlanta, GA)
University‑affiliated public health labs that contract with state agencies (e.g., University of Minnesota Public Health Laboratory)
Local county health department labs that forward samples to state or CDC facilities

Submission procedures generally require:

Secure packaging of live or frozen ticks in a sealed container with a cold pack
Completion of a standardized requisition form specifying collection date, location, and host information
Inclusion of a prepaid courier label for overnight delivery to the designated laboratory
Confirmation of receipt via email or portal notification

Contact information, operating hours, and turnaround times are listed on each laboratory’s official website. Laboratories maintain confidentiality and adhere to biosafety standards during analysis.

Submission Procedures «How to Send a Tick»

When a tick is collected for identification or pathogen testing, follow these exact steps to ensure the specimen reaches a qualified laboratory in optimal condition.

First, select an accredited facility. Options include university entomology departments, state health department vector‑borne disease units, and commercial veterinary diagnostic labs. Verify each lab’s acceptance policy, specimen type, and turnaround time before proceeding.

Second, prepare the tick. Use a clean, sealable container such as a 1‑ml microcentrifuge tube or a small plastic vial. Place the tick whole, or if required, in a 70 % ethanol solution for preservation. Include a dry cotton pad if the sample will be kept alive for culture. Label the container with:

Unique identifier (e.g., sample 001)
Collection date (YYYY‑MM‑DD)
Exact location (GPS coordinates or nearest landmark)
Host species (human, dog, deer, etc.)

Third, complete the submission form supplied by the laboratory. Provide the same data as on the label, add any observed symptoms on the host, and indicate the desired test panel (e.g., Borrelia, Anaplasma, Rickettsia).

Fourth, package for shipment. Seal the container inside a secondary, leak‑proof bag. Place the bag in a padded envelope or small box. Affix the completed form or a printed copy on the outside. If mailing, choose a trackable courier service and mark the package as “Biological Sample – Non‑hazardous”.

Fifth, retain a copy of the tracking number and the submission receipt. Contact the laboratory within 24 hours to confirm receipt and request a preliminary evaluation timeline.

Following this protocol guarantees that the tick sample arrives intact, that the laboratory receives all necessary information, and that results are delivered promptly.

Private Laboratories and Companies «Commercial Services»

Online Tick Testing Services «Convenience and Accessibility»

Online tick testing platforms enable individuals to send specimens without visiting a laboratory. Users receive a sealed collection kit, place the tick in a provided container, and ship it to a certified laboratory using pre‑paid postage. Results, including species identification and pathogen screening, are delivered electronically within days.

Order a testing kit through the provider’s website.
Follow the enclosed instructions to secure the tick.
Attach the prepaid label and dispatch the package.
Access the report via a secure online portal.

The service eliminates geographic barriers; shipping networks reach most residential addresses, allowing submissions from rural and urban locations alike. Turnaround times are consistently faster than in‑person appointments, and the digital format ensures immediate accessibility for healthcare providers and pet owners.

Key benefits include:

Nationwide coverage through standard mail carriers.
No requirement for personal travel to a testing facility.
Professional identification by accredited entomologists.
Pathogen detection using validated molecular assays.
Cost‑effective pricing structures compared with traditional lab fees.

When selecting a provider, verify accreditation by the American Association of Veterinary Laboratory Diagnosticians or a comparable authority. Preserve the original specimen until the report is received, as some laboratories may request re‑examination. This workflow maximizes convenience while maintaining analytical rigor for tick‑borne disease surveillance.

Lab Accreditations «Ensuring Reliable Results»

Accredited laboratories guarantee that tick‑borne disease testing follows rigorous quality standards. Accreditation bodies such as ISO 17025, CLIA, and CAP assess competence in sample handling, analytical methods, and result reporting. When a laboratory holds one of these recognitions, its results are reproducible, traceable, and defensible in clinical or research settings.

To locate a facility that will accept a tick specimen, consider the following sources:

State or provincial public health laboratories; most are ISO 17025‑accredited for vector‑borne pathogen detection.
University or veterinary diagnostic centers; many hold CAP or CLIA certification and specialize in arthropod analysis.
Commercial reference labs that list tick testing among their services; accreditation status is usually displayed on the provider’s website.
Regional disease surveillance networks; they maintain lists of accredited partners authorized to process field‑collected samples.

Before submission, verify accreditation by checking the lab’s certificate number on the accrediting organization’s public registry. Ensure the sample is packaged according to the lab’s biosafety guidelines, includes a detailed collection date, location, and host information, and is accompanied by a completed request form specifying the desired tests (e.g., PCR for Borrelia, Anaplasma, Rickettsia).

Submitting to an accredited laboratory eliminates variability caused by unstandardized methods, providing reliable data for diagnosis, epidemiological monitoring, and research.

Veterinary Clinics and Research Institutions «Specialized Expertise»

Veterinarian-Assisted Submission «For Pet Owners»

Veterinarians can facilitate the submission of tick specimens collected from pets, ensuring proper handling and accurate laboratory results. Pet owners should bring the tick to a licensed veterinary practice, where staff will preserve the specimen in a sealed container, label it with the animal’s identification, and complete the required paperwork. The veterinarian then forwards the sample to an accredited diagnostic laboratory, such as a state or regional veterinary pathology service, which performs species identification and pathogen testing.

Alternative submission routes include:

University veterinary teaching hospitals that operate reference laboratories.
Government public‑health agencies that accept wildlife and domestic‑animal tick samples.
Specialized pet‑health diagnostic centers that offer mail‑in services; the veterinarian prepares a prepaid shipping kit and dispatches the specimen directly to the analysis facility.

In each case, the veterinary professional confirms that the tick is stored at appropriate temperature, documents collection date, and records any observed clinical signs. This systematic approach maximizes the reliability of test outcomes and supports timely treatment decisions for the pet.

Academic Research Programs «Potential for Free Testing»

Academic research programs that include a provision for cost‑free tick analysis accept specimens through several established channels. Universities with entomology or vector‑biology departments often operate dedicated diagnostic labs. Contact the department’s outreach coordinator to obtain a submission form and shipping instructions. Federal agencies such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention maintain a Tick Surveillance Program; specimens may be mailed to the designated regional office after completing the online registration portal. State public‑health laboratories provide similar services, typically requiring a brief case summary and a certified sample label. Non‑profit organizations focused on vector‑borne diseases, for instance the Tick Research Network, run periodic collection drives and accept mail‑in samples without charge.

Key submission points:

University entomology labs (e.g., University of XYZ, Department of Vector Biology)
CDC regional tick surveillance centers (online registration required)
State health department vector labs (state‑specific mailing addresses)
Accredited non‑profit tick research consortia (mail‑in or drop‑off locations)

Each venue supplies detailed guidelines on packaging, preservation medium, and accompanying metadata. Compliance with these protocols ensures prompt processing and reliable results.

Preparing a Tick for Submission «Best Practices»

Proper Tick Removal «Safety First»

Tools and Techniques «Step-by-Step Guide»

Submitting a tick specimen for laboratory examination requires specific equipment and a systematic approach. The following guide outlines the necessary tools and each procedural stage.

Required tools and materials

Sterile tweezers or fine‑point forceps
Disposable gloves
70 % isopropyl alcohol wipes
Sealable plastic tube or vial with screw‑cap lid
Absorbent padding or paper towel
Pre‑printed submission form or electronic request template
Cold pack (optional for long‑distance transport)

Step‑by‑step procedure

Prepare the work area – Disinfect the surface with an alcohol wipe; wear gloves to prevent contamination.
Collect the tick – Use sterile tweezers to grasp the tick close to the skin, pulling straight upward to avoid mouth‑part rupture.
Place the specimen – Transfer the tick into the sealed tube, ensuring no other material enters. Add a small piece of absorbent padding to keep the tick stable.
Label the container – Write the collector’s name, date, location of encounter, and host species on the pre‑printed form; attach the form to the tube or include it in the electronic submission.
Preserve the sample – If the laboratory recommends refrigeration, store the sealed tube in a cool environment; otherwise, keep at ambient temperature. Use a cold pack only when shipping over extended distances.
Choose a submission destination – Options include:
- State public health laboratory
- University‑affiliated vector‑borne disease center
- Commercial diagnostic service specializing in arthropod testing
- Regional veterinary diagnostic laboratory
Verify each facility’s acceptance criteria and preferred shipping method before dispatch.
Package for transport – Place the sealed tube inside a sturdy mailing container, surround with padding, and affix the appropriate shipping label. Follow the carrier’s regulations for biological specimens.
Confirm receipt – After shipment, contact the receiving laboratory to ensure the sample arrived intact and is entered into the testing queue.

Adhering to this protocol maximizes specimen integrity and accelerates diagnostic results.

Avoiding Damage to the Tick «Preserving the Sample»

Preserving a tick specimen intact is essential for reliable identification and pathogen testing. Handle the tick with fine-tipped tweezers, gripping only the mouthparts to prevent crushing the body. Place the organism in a sealed, breathable container such as a small paper envelope or a ventilated plastic vial; avoid airtight seals that could cause desiccation or mold growth. Add a moist, sterile cotton pad if the interval before submission exceeds 24 hours, but remove it prior to packaging to eliminate contamination.

When preparing the sample for transport, follow these steps:

Transfer the tick to a labeled container with the collection date, location, and host information.
Seal the container securely, then place it inside a rigid outer box to protect against impact.
Keep the package at ambient temperature; extreme heat or cold can degrade DNA and morphological features.
Ship the package promptly, using a courier service that guarantees same‑day or next‑day delivery.

Select a laboratory that accepts arthropod specimens, confirms compliance with biosafety regulations, and provides clear instructions for sample submission. Verify the facility’s preferred packaging format and any required paperwork before dispatch. Proper preservation and careful packaging ensure the tick remains viable for accurate analysis upon arrival.

Storing and Packaging the Tick «Ensuring Viability»

Storage Conditions «Temperature and Moisture»

Proper preservation of tick specimens is essential for reliable diagnostic results. Temperature and moisture control directly affect pathogen viability and morphological integrity, influencing the accuracy of laboratory analysis.

Maintain specimens at a stable, low temperature without freezing. Recommended conditions are:

4 °C ± 2 °C (refrigerated) for short‑term storage (up to 48 hours).
2 °C–8 °C for extended periods, provided the sample remains moist but not submerged.
Avoid exposure to temperatures above 25 °C, which can degrade nucleic acids and reduce pathogen load.

Moisture management prevents desiccation and microbial overgrowth. Follow these guidelines:

Keep ticks in a humidified environment (relative humidity 70 %–85 %) using sealed containers with damp paper or a moist cotton pad.
Do not submerge specimens in liquid; excess moisture can dilute samples and promote contamination.
Replace damp material if it dries out before shipping.

Before dispatch, place the tick in a breathable, sterile container with a moist substrate, seal it, and store the container in a refrigerated courier bag. Verify that the courier service maintains the required temperature range throughout transit.

Packaging for Shipment «Secure and Intact»

Submitting a tick specimen requires adherence to strict packaging standards to protect the sample during transport and to meet the requirements of accredited laboratories, public health agencies, university research centers, and national disease‑control programs. These facilities accept specimens only when the packaging demonstrates security and integrity.

The outer container must be sealed, rigid, and capable of withstanding handling stresses. Inside, the tick should be placed in a leak‑proof primary container, such as a sealed vial with appropriate preservative. A secondary, absorbent material surrounds the primary container to contain any accidental leakage. The entire package is enclosed in a sturdy, insulated outer box that maintains the required temperature range, typically 4 °C to 8 °C for live specimens or ambient conditions for preserved samples.

Use a watertight primary vial with a screw‑cap closure.
Insert the vial into a sealed secondary bag containing absorbent pads.
Place the secondary bag in a rigid, insulated shipping box.
Include a cold pack if temperature control is needed.
Seal the outer box with tamper‑evident tape.

Accompanying documentation must list the specimen identifier, collection date, and preservation method. A chain‑of‑custody form and the appropriate hazardous‑material label are required for all shipments. Accurate labeling ensures that receiving laboratories can process the sample without delay.

Following these packaging procedures guarantees that the tick sample arrives at the designated analysis center in a condition suitable for reliable testing and complies with transportation regulations.

Interpreting Tick Test Results «What Comes Next?»

Understanding the Report «Key Data Points»

Positive vs. Negative Results «What They Mean»

Submitting a tick for laboratory examination can be done through public‑health departments, university veterinary clinics, commercial diagnostic firms, or accredited entomology research centers. Each accepts mailed or hand‑delivered specimens, typically requiring a sealed container, collection data, and a completed request form.

Interpretation of test outcomes:

Positive result – Pathogen DNA or antigen detected. Confirms the tick carried the targeted organism at the time of collection. Indicates a potential exposure risk for the host; preventive measures or treatment may be warranted.
Negative result – No target pathogen identified. Suggests the tick was not infected with the tested agent, but does not eliminate the possibility of other untested organisms or low‑level infection below assay sensitivity. Repeat testing with broader panels or different methods may be considered if clinical suspicion remains.

Specific Pathogen Identification «Disease-Causing Agents»

Tick specimens require analysis by facilities equipped to detect bacterial, viral, and protozoan agents transmitted by arachnids. Accurate identification of disease‑causing microorganisms depends on submitting samples to qualified laboratories that follow validated protocols.

Federal public‑health laboratories (e.g., Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, regional CDC branch labs) accept tick submissions for comprehensive pathogen panels.
State health department diagnostic units provide regional testing, often free of charge for clinicians and researchers.
Veterinary diagnostic centers (state university veterinary schools, USDA‑approved labs) specialize in zoonotic agents and offer rapid turnaround.
Academic research laboratories with expertise in tick‑borne diseases accept specimens for targeted assays, typically under collaborative agreements.
Commercial diagnostic companies (e.g., Quest Diagnostics, Labcorp) deliver standardized testing for a defined list of pathogens, with online ordering and sample‑tracking services.

Submission guidelines include: placing individual ticks in sterile, sealable containers; adding a small volume of 70 % ethanol or RNAlater if nucleic‑acid extraction is required; completing a requisition form that lists collection date, location, host species, and suspected exposure; and shipping on cold packs or via overnight courier to maintain sample integrity.

Contact information for major providers: CDC Arbovirus and Tick‑Borne Disease Branch (email [email protected]), state health department vector‑borne disease units (website varies by state), USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service Veterinary Services (email [email protected]), and major commercial labs (customer service portals on their websites).

Consulting with Healthcare Professionals «Next Steps After Testing»

Physician Consultation «Human Health Implications»

Physician consultation is the first point of contact when a tick bite raises concerns about disease transmission. The clinician evaluates exposure history, examines the bite site, and determines whether laboratory testing of the detached tick is warranted to assess infection risk.

Testing a tick can clarify the presence of pathogens such as Borrelia burgdorferi, Anaplasma phagocytophilum, or Rickettsia species. Accurate identification guides treatment decisions, informs patient counseling, and contributes to surveillance data used by health authorities.

Patients may submit a tick specimen to the following facilities:

Primary‑care or urgent‑care clinics that partner with regional public‑health laboratories.
State or county health department laboratories that offer free or low‑cost testing for residents.
University or research institution laboratories with vector‑borne disease programs, often accessible through a physician’s referral.
Commercial diagnostic companies that provide mail‑in services; specimens are packaged according to the provider’s instructions.

When delivering the sample, the physician should supply:

Date of removal and geographic location of the bite.
Detailed description of the tick’s life stage and appearance, if possible.
Patient’s clinical presentation, including symptoms and any prophylactic antibiotics administered.

Timely submission and comprehensive documentation enable precise pathogen detection, appropriate therapeutic measures, and reliable public‑health reporting.

Veterinarian Consultation «Pet Health Implications»

Veterinary professionals recommend submitting ticks collected from pets to qualified diagnostic facilities to identify species and pathogen presence, which directly influences treatment decisions and preventive measures.

Common submission points include:

Veterinary clinics with in‑house laboratories or partnerships with external diagnostic centers.
Regional animal health laboratories operated by state or provincial agriculture departments.
University veterinary schools that run parasitology research programs.
Public health laboratories that accept animal specimens for zoonotic disease monitoring.
Commercial tick‑testing services that provide mail‑in kits and online result portals.

When preparing a sample, place the tick in a sealed container with a small amount of alcohol or a dry tube, label with the animal’s species, collection date, and location, and include a completed request form. Prompt analysis enables accurate diagnosis, targeted therapy, and informed advice on tick‑preventive strategies for the pet’s continued well‑being.