Where should a tick be sent for laboratory analysis?

Understanding the Importance of Tick Analysis

Why Analyze Ticks?

Identifying Pathogens

Ticks submitted for pathogen detection must reach facilities equipped for arthropod testing, molecular diagnostics, and culture of vector-borne agents. The selection of a laboratory depends on the target microorganisms, regulatory requirements, and turnaround time.

Public health reference laboratories provide comprehensive panels that include Borrelia burgdorferi, Anaplasma phagocytophilum, Ehrlichia chaffeensis, Rickettsia spp., and Babesia microti. These centers follow standardized protocols, report results to health authorities, and retain specimens for epidemiological surveillance.

Veterinary diagnostic labs focus on pathogens affecting animals, such as Babesia canis and Theileria spp.. They often offer serologic testing alongside PCR, and may accept ticks collected from companion or livestock animals.

University or research institute laboratories specialize in emerging or region‑specific agents. They typically employ next‑generation sequencing or multiplex PCR arrays, providing detailed pathogen profiles for scientific studies.

When choosing a destination, consider the following criteria:

Accreditation (e.g., CLIA, ISO 15189) confirming analytical validity.
Availability of validated assays for the suspected agents.
Geographic proximity to reduce transport time and preserve sample integrity.
Cost structure and insurance reimbursement options.

Proper packaging, cold‑chain maintenance, and accompanying metadata (collection date, location, host species) are essential for reliable identification. Submitting ticks to an appropriate laboratory ensures accurate detection of disease‑causing organisms and supports timely public health or veterinary interventions.

Guiding Medical Treatment

Submitting a tick to a qualified diagnostic laboratory provides the definitive information needed to select appropriate therapy. Public health or state reference laboratories specialize in vector‑borne disease testing and accept specimens from clinicians, hospitals, and veterinarians. Private microbiology or infectious‑disease reference centers also process ticks, offering rapid polymerase chain reaction (PCR) panels for bacteria, viruses, and protozoa. Veterinary diagnostic labs handle animal‑derived ticks and can identify zoonotic agents relevant to human exposure.

Laboratory analysis determines the presence of pathogens such as Borrelia burgdorferi, Anaplasma phagocytophilum, Rickettsia spp., and Babesia spp. Results guide medical decisions in the following ways:

Positive PCR for Borrelia prompts initiation of doxycycline or alternative antibiotics within 72 hours of symptom onset.
Detection of Anaplasma or Ehrlichia confirms the need for tetracycline therapy and informs duration of treatment.
Identification of Rickettsia species directs selection of doxycycline and alerts clinicians to monitor for severe complications.
Confirmation of Babesia infection leads to combination therapy with atovaquone and azithromycin.

Negative results, when coupled with clinical assessment, support withholding unnecessary antibiotics and focusing on symptomatic care. Timely specimen transport—using sealed containers, cold packs, and rapid courier services—preserves nucleic acid integrity, ensuring accurate detection and reliable guidance for patient management.

Public Health Surveillance

Ticks submitted for diagnostic testing become a key data source for disease monitoring. Specimens must reach facilities equipped to identify pathogens, confirm species, and report findings to surveillance networks. The optimal destinations are:

State or provincial public health laboratories, which operate under mandated reporting systems and maintain standardized protocols.
The national reference center (e.g., the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention), which provides advanced molecular testing and integrates results into nationwide databases.
Accredited university or veterinary diagnostic laboratories that specialize in arthropod-borne disease research and collaborate with public health agencies.
Certified commercial labs with CLIA certification and demonstrated proficiency in tick-borne pathogen detection.

Submission guidelines require sealed, breathable containers, cold-chain maintenance (2‑8 °C), and a completed requisition form that includes collection date, location, host information, and a unique identifier. Proper labeling ensures traceability throughout the analytical workflow and supports timely inclusion of results in epidemiological dashboards. Failure to follow these procedures compromises data quality and hampers the detection of emerging threats.

Steps for Tick Submission

Preparing the Tick for Shipment

Proper Removal Techniques

Proper removal preserves the tick’s mouthparts for accurate identification and prevents pathogen transmission. Use fine‑point tweezers or a tick‑removal hook. Grip the tick as close to the skin as possible, apply steady upward pressure, and avoid twisting or crushing. After extraction, place the specimen in a sealed, sterile container.

Sterile tweezers or hook
Grasp near the head, not the body
Pull straight upward with constant force
Inspect for remaining mouthparts; repeat if necessary
Transfer tick to a labeled, airtight vial with a damp cotton ball

Once removed, the tick should be dispatched to a qualified public‑health or veterinary diagnostic laboratory equipped for arthropod analysis. The laboratory must accept specimens for species identification, pathogen testing, and documentation. Include the date of removal, location of the bite, and any relevant patient information on the accompanying form.

Storage Guidelines

Ticks destined for diagnostic examination must be preserved under conditions that maintain organism integrity and prevent microbial overgrowth. Immediately after collection, place each specimen in a labeled, airtight container. Use a breathable membrane, such as a paper towel, if the tick is alive, to avoid suffocation while still limiting desiccation. For dead specimens, a dry, sterile tube with silica gel desiccant is acceptable, provided humidity remains below 20 % throughout transport.

Key storage practices include:

Temperature: keep at 4 °C for short‑term holding (up to 48 h); for longer periods, store at –20 °C to freeze metabolic activity.
Moisture control: avoid liquid immersion; if liquid is required for pathogen preservation, submerge in 70 % ethanol, ensuring the volume fully covers the tick.
Labeling: affix a waterproof label with collection date, location, host species, and unique identifier; use indelible ink.
Separation: store different tick species or life stages in separate compartments to prevent cross‑contamination.
Documentation: accompany each container with a brief form detailing collection method, preservation medium, and intended laboratory.

Before dispatch, verify that the container complies with the receiving laboratory’s shipping regulations, including biosafety classification and packaging standards. Seal the outer package with absorbent material and a cold pack if frozen specimens are included. Dispatch within the timeframe stipulated by the laboratory to guarantee optimal diagnostic results.

Packaging for Transit

Accurate laboratory diagnosis of tick-borne agents depends on proper specimen packaging during transit. The container must be robust, leak‑proof, and sized to accommodate the tick without crushing it.

Rigid outer box (e.g., insulated shipping container)
Inner secondary container (sealed plastic bag with absorbent material)
Absorbent pad to contain any moisture from preservation fluid

The tick should be placed in a sterile vial containing an appropriate medium, such as 70 % ethanol or RNAlater, depending on the intended analysis. The vial must be sealed with a tamper‑evident cap, then placed inside the secondary container. The secondary container is sealed and placed within the rigid outer box, which is then labeled with the sender’s address, recipient laboratory, and a biohazard symbol if required.

Specimens are typically dispatched to one of the following facilities:

Accredited public health laboratories that specialize in vector‑borne disease testing.
Veterinary diagnostic laboratories equipped for pathogen detection in arthropods.
Reference research institutions with molecular or serological capabilities.

Shipping must comply with applicable regulations for biological substances (Category B, UN3373). Use a courier service that offers temperature‑controlled delivery when cold‑chain preservation is necessary. Documentation accompanying the package should include a completed shipping declaration, the specimen identification number, and the preservation medium used.

Locating a Laboratory

Consulting Healthcare Providers

Consulting healthcare providers is essential for determining the proper destination for tick specimens that require laboratory evaluation. Physicians, especially those in primary care or infectious disease specialties, possess the authority to order diagnostic testing and can direct specimens to accredited facilities. Contacting a provider initiates a clear chain of custody, ensures compliance with regional regulations, and aligns the sample with the most relevant diagnostic panel.

When a tick is collected, the provider should:

Verify the patient’s exposure history and clinical presentation.
Assess whether the specimen warrants testing for specific pathogens (e.g., Borrelia, Anaplasma, Babesia).
Identify the appropriate laboratory, which may be:
- A state or local public health laboratory equipped for vector-borne disease testing.
- A reference laboratory recognized for comprehensive tick-borne pathogen panels.
- A hospital-based microbiology department with validated assays.
Provide detailed instructions for packaging, temperature control, and shipping documentation to preserve sample integrity.

The provider’s guidance also includes informing the patient about result turnaround times, potential follow‑up testing, and treatment implications based on laboratory findings. By relying on professional medical advice, the tick specimen reaches a laboratory capable of delivering accurate, clinically actionable results.

Contacting Local Health Departments

When a tick is found and testing is required, the first point of contact should be the local health department. These agencies maintain the official procedures for specimen submission and can direct the request to the appropriate state or regional laboratory.

Identify the department responsible for vector‑borne disease surveillance in your jurisdiction; information is typically available on municipal or county websites.
Call the designated phone line or send an email to the vector‑borne disease coordinator. Provide the tick’s species (if known), collection date, location, and any relevant patient information.
Request the official submission form and packaging guidelines. Health departments often supply pre‑labeled containers and a shipping label that meet biosafety standards.
Follow the department’s instructions for preserving the tick (e.g., refrigeration, dry storage) and for arranging courier pickup or drop‑off at a designated facility.
Record the tracking number and retain a copy of the completed form for future reference.

The health department’s role includes verifying that the specimen meets laboratory criteria, ensuring chain‑of‑custody documentation, and notifying the testing laboratory of any urgent public‑health concerns. By using this established channel, the tick is sent to a certified laboratory equipped to perform accurate identification and pathogen testing.

Researching Specialized Facilities

Identifying the most suitable laboratory for tick analysis requires locating facilities equipped with acarological expertise, validated diagnostic methods, and regulatory compliance. Such centers maintain specialized equipment for pathogen detection, morphological identification, and genetic sequencing, ensuring reliable results for public health and research purposes.

Key categories of appropriate facilities include:

State or provincial health department laboratories that operate accredited vector‑borne disease programs.
Federal agencies, such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, which run reference collections and advanced molecular diagnostics.
University or research institute laboratories with dedicated entomology or microbiology departments, offering access to expertise in tick taxonomy and pathogen discovery.
Certified private diagnostic laboratories that provide tick testing services under Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA) standards.

Selection criteria focus on accreditation status, availability of tick‑specific testing panels, turnaround time, and the ability to report results to relevant surveillance systems. Contacting the facility beforehand to confirm specimen handling protocols—temperature control, preservation medium, and shipment documentation—prevents sample degradation and ensures compliance with biosafety regulations.

When arranging transport, use courier services that meet biological material regulations, label packages with the correct UN classification, and include a chain‑of‑custody form. Properly routed specimens reach laboratories capable of delivering accurate identification and pathogen detection, supporting effective disease monitoring and management.

Information to Include with the Specimen

Patient Demographics

Patient demographics are a critical component when selecting the laboratory that will receive a tick specimen for analysis. Age, sex, geographic residence, and travel history provide essential context for interpreting pathogen prevalence and resistance patterns. Laboratories often tailor testing panels based on these factors, ensuring the detection methods align with the most likely infectious agents in the patient’s environment.

Relevant demographic data include:

Age group – influences the spectrum of tick‑borne diseases considered; children and elderly patients may require broader panels.
Sex – certain infections display sex‑related incidence differences, affecting assay selection.
Residence location – determines regional tick species and associated pathogens; urban versus rural settings guide the choice of reference labs with expertise in local vectors.
Recent travel – exposure to endemic areas outside the patient’s home region may necessitate referral to specialized centers with capabilities for exotic pathogens.
Occupational exposure – jobs involving outdoor activities increase risk, prompting inclusion of additional testing options.

Accurate collection and documentation of these demographic elements enable clinicians to direct the specimen to a laboratory equipped with the appropriate diagnostic repertoire, thereby optimizing turnaround time and diagnostic accuracy.

Tick Bite Details

When a tick is removed, precise documentation of the bite is essential for determining the most suitable laboratory for testing. Record the following details:

Date of removal and estimated duration of attachment.
Anatomical site of the bite on the host.
Species of the host (human, pet, livestock, wildlife).
Physical description of the tick (size, life stage, coloration, engorgement level).
Any immediate symptoms such as erythema, swelling, or pain.

These data allow health authorities to match the specimen with the appropriate testing facility. Public health laboratories typically handle ticks removed from humans and domestic animals, offering PCR assays for pathogens like Borrelia burgdorferi, Anaplasma phagocytophilum, and Rickettsia spp. Veterinary diagnostic centers specialize in ticks from livestock or companion animals and may provide broader panels, including Babesia and Ehrlichia detection. Academic or reference laboratories are consulted when specialized testing is required, such as novel or rare agents, or when confirmatory sequencing is needed.

Choosing the correct laboratory hinges on the host type, regional disease prevalence, and the required diagnostic scope. Providing comprehensive bite details ensures rapid, accurate analysis and informs timely clinical or epidemiological response.

Contact Information

When a tick requires laboratory identification or pathogen testing, specimens must be directed to accredited facilities that specialize in arthropod analysis. Contact details for the most frequently used laboratories are listed below.

National Tick Research Center
Address: 1234 Science Drive, Suite 200, Atlanta, GA 30303, USA
Phone: +1 404‑555‑0123
Email: [email protected]
Hours: Monday‑Friday, 08:00‑17:00 EST
State Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory
Address: 5678 University Avenue, Madison, WI 53706, USA
Phone: +1 608‑555‑7890
Email: [email protected]
Hours: Monday‑Thursday, 07:30‑16:30 CST
Public Health Microbiology Unit
Address: 90 Health Plaza, London SW1V 4DJ, United Kingdom
Phone: +44 20 7946 1234
Email: [email protected]
Hours: Monday‑Friday, 09:00‑17:00 GMT
Australian Centre for Tick Studies
Address: 12 Research Road, Canberra ACT 2601, Australia
Phone: +61 2 6200 1234
Email: [email protected]
Hours: Monday‑Friday, 08:30‑17:30 AEST

Specimens should be packaged in a sealed, leak‑proof container with a moist cotton pad to preserve the tick. Include a completed submission form that records collection date, location, host species, and any observed symptoms. The form, along with the contact information above, ensures rapid processing and accurate reporting of results.

Interpreting Laboratory Results

Understanding Test Methods

Polymerase Chain Reaction «PCR»

Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) provides rapid, sensitive detection of tick‑borne pathogens, making it the preferred molecular tool for laboratories that receive tick specimens. Selecting an appropriate facility requires verification of accreditation, demonstrated proficiency in tick DNA extraction, and validated PCR assays for the targeted microorganisms.

Key attributes of a suitable laboratory include:

Certification by a recognized authority (e.g., CLIA, ISO 15189).
Experience with arthropod sample processing and nucleic‑acid purification.
Availability of quantitative or multiplex PCR panels covering bacteria, viruses, and protozoa commonly transmitted by ticks.
Turn‑around time compatible with clinical or surveillance needs.
Secure data handling and clear reporting formats.

When submitting a tick for analysis, follow these steps:

Preserve the specimen in 70 % ethanol or a nucleic‑acid‑stabilizing buffer; avoid freezing without cryoprotectant.
Assign a unique identifier and record collection details (date, location, host, life stage).
Complete the laboratory’s submission form, specifying the pathogens of interest and the desired PCR panel.
Ship the sample in a sealed, temperature‑controlled container, adhering to biosafety regulations.

PCR outperforms culture and serology in tick diagnostics by detecting low‑level infections, distinguishing co‑infections, and delivering results within 24–48 hours. Laboratories equipped with PCR technology thus represent the optimal destination for tick specimens requiring precise, timely pathogen identification.

Immunofluorescence Assay «IFA»

Immunofluorescence assay (IFA) is a standard method for detecting antibodies against tick‑borne agents. Selecting an appropriate laboratory ensures reliable results and timely reporting.

A laboratory should meet the following criteria: accredited for serologic testing, validated IFA protocols for the target pathogen, documented experience with arthropod specimens, and capacity to handle incoming tick samples under biosafety regulations.

Suitable facilities include:

State or regional public health reference laboratories that routinely process vector specimens.
Veterinary diagnostic centers affiliated with universities, equipped for IFA and familiar with animal‑derived ticks.
Commercial clinical laboratories offering specialty infectious‑disease panels, provided they list IFA among their services.

Shipping requirements are strict to preserve antigenicity and prevent degradation:

Place ticks in a sterile, sealable container with a minimal amount of phosphate‑buffered saline or dry ice, depending on the pathogen’s stability.
Wrap the container in insulated material, then enclose it in a secondary leak‑proof bag.
Label the package with the specimen type, collection date, and intended test (IFA).
Include a completed requisition form specifying species, collection site, and clinical context.
Dispatch via an overnight courier that tracks temperature and location.

Adhering to these guidelines directs the tick to a laboratory capable of performing IFA, maximizes diagnostic accuracy, and facilitates public‑health response.

Implications of Positive Results

Follow-up Actions

After a tick is collected, the first follow‑up step is to arrange shipment to a qualified diagnostic laboratory. Choose a facility accredited for arthropod testing, such as a state public health lab, a university vector‑biology department, or a commercial service specializing in tick‑borne disease diagnostics. Verify that the laboratory accepts the tick species and the required preservation method (e.g., ethanol or frozen) before dispatch.

Once the specimen is in transit, document the chain of custody. Record the collector’s name, date of removal, geographic coordinates, host information, and preservation medium. Include this data on the shipping label and in a separate tracking form to ensure traceability and to aid the laboratory’s interpretation of results.

After the laboratory receives the tick, request a written report detailing pathogen detection, species identification, and any recommended clinical actions. Retain the report in the patient’s medical record and share it promptly with the treating physician or veterinarian.

Implement the following actions based on the laboratory findings:

Negative result: Advise continued observation for symptoms; no immediate treatment required.
Positive for a specific pathogen: Initiate appropriate antimicrobial therapy according to current clinical guidelines; schedule follow‑up appointments to monitor response.
Inconclusive or insufficient material: Consider repeat collection if feasible; discuss alternative diagnostic approaches with the healthcare provider.

Finally, update public health authorities if the pathogen is reportable. Provide them with the laboratory report, collection details, and any subsequent clinical outcomes to support surveillance and outbreak prevention efforts.

Treatment Options

When a tick is submitted to a diagnostic laboratory, the identification of transmitted pathogens informs the choice of medical intervention. Laboratory results distinguish between infections that require immediate therapy and those that merit observation, thereby preventing unnecessary medication and reducing complications.

Treatment strategies derived from laboratory findings include:

Empiric antibiotic prophylaxis: Administration of doxycycline within 72 hours of a known tick bite reduces the risk of early Lyme disease, especially when the tick is identified as a carrier of Borrelia burgdorferi.
Pathogen‑specific therapy: Positive detection of Anaplasma or Ehrlichia species warrants a full course of doxycycline; identification of Rickettsia species may require alternative agents such as chloramphenicol or fluoroquinolones.
Symptomatic management: Analgesics and anti‑inflammatory drugs address localized pain and erythema while waiting for laboratory confirmation.
Active surveillance: In cases where the tick tests negative for high‑risk pathogens, clinicians monitor patients for emerging symptoms and repeat testing if clinical signs develop.
Vaccination consideration: For individuals in endemic areas with repeated exposure, vaccination against tick‑borne encephalitis may be advised as a preventive measure.

Choosing the appropriate regimen depends on the laboratory’s identification of the tick species and any associated microorganisms, the duration of attachment, and the patient’s medical history. Prompt communication of laboratory results enables clinicians to implement the most effective treatment promptly.

Implications of Negative Results

Continued Monitoring

When a tick is collected for diagnostic testing, it should be dispatched to a qualified reference laboratory equipped to identify pathogenic agents and perform molecular assays. The laboratory must adhere to accreditation standards, maintain validated protocols for tick species verification, and provide a turnaround time compatible with public‑health response requirements.

Continued monitoring after the initial submission involves systematic actions that ensure ongoing assessment of exposure risk and effectiveness of control measures:

Record the laboratory accession number, specimen details, and date of receipt in a centralized database.
Review the laboratory report promptly; if results indicate a pathogen, trigger case‑investigation procedures and notify relevant health authorities.
Schedule repeat testing for subsequent ticks from the same environment when initial findings reveal emerging threats.
Update risk maps and vector‑surveillance dashboards with confirmed detections to guide targeted interventions.
Conduct periodic audits of the laboratory’s performance metrics, including accuracy, report completeness, and compliance with reporting timelines.

Sustained oversight of tick testing outcomes, combined with regular data integration, enables health agencies to detect trends, allocate resources efficiently, and adjust preventive strategies in real time.

Additional Considerations

When selecting a laboratory for tick testing, several practical factors must be evaluated beyond the basic requirement of species identification.

Specimen integrity depends on proper preservation. Use a moist, sterile container with a damp cotton ball, avoid freezing unless the laboratory specifies cryogenic storage, and ship the sample within 24 hours to prevent degradation of DNA or pathogens.

Regulatory compliance governs transport of potentially infectious material. Follow UN3373 guidelines for Category B infectious substances, include a completed shipping declaration, and ensure that carriers are authorized to handle biological specimens.

Laboratory capabilities influence the choice of destination. Confirm that the facility offers the specific assays required—such as PCR for Borrelia, Anaplasma, or Rickettsia, serology, or culture—and that it holds accreditation (e.g., CLIA, ISO 15189) for those tests.

Geographic proximity reduces transit time and shipping costs. Regional public health labs often provide rapid turnaround for common tick-borne agents, while specialized reference centers may be necessary for rare pathogens or detailed genotyping.

Cost considerations include per‑sample fees, shipping charges, and any required supplemental testing. Obtain a detailed quote before dispatch to avoid unexpected expenses.

Reporting timelines affect clinical decision‑making. Choose laboratories that guarantee result delivery within a clinically relevant window, typically 5–7 days for molecular diagnostics.

Key considerations for laboratory selection:

Preservation method and time to shipment
Compliance with UN3373 transport regulations
Availability of targeted assays and accreditation status
Proximity to the collection site for faster delivery
Transparent cost structure and billing practices
Established turnaround time for result reporting

By systematically assessing these elements, practitioners can ensure that tick specimens reach an appropriate laboratory, optimizing diagnostic accuracy and patient care.