Where should an discovered tick be taken?

Understanding the Importance of Tick Submission

Why Submit a Tick?

Disease Surveillance

Disease surveillance relies on systematic collection, analysis, and interpretation of data from vectors such as ticks. Promptly routing a discovered tick to the correct facility enables early detection of emerging pathogens, supports risk assessment, and informs public‑health interventions.

The appropriate destinations for a tick found on a person or animal include:

State or regional public‑health laboratory equipped for arbovirus and bacterial testing.
University or research entomology laboratory with vector‑identification expertise.
Veterinary diagnostic center when the tick originated from livestock or companion animals.
Accredited commercial laboratory offering PCR, culture, and serology for tick‑borne agents.

When submitting the specimen, follow these steps:

Place the tick in a sealed, breathable container (e.g., a paper envelope or vials with ethanol, depending on laboratory requirements).
Label with collection date, location, host species, and collector’s contact information.
Complete the laboratory’s submission form, specifying suspected pathogens and any clinical symptoms observed in the host.
Ship the specimen using a trackable courier service, adhering to biohazard transport regulations.
Retain a copy of all documentation for reference in case additional data are requested.

Accurate and timely submission integrates the tick into surveillance networks, facilitating detection of disease trends and guiding preventive measures.

Identification of Tick Species

When a tick is found, accurate species identification determines the most suitable destination for further action. Different species transmit distinct pathogens; recognizing the tick guides whether it should be taken to a medical clinic, a veterinary office, or a specialized laboratory.

The identification process involves:

Visual inspection of size, shape, and coloration using a magnifying lens.
Examination of mouthparts: a long, narrow hypostome suggests Ixodes spp.; a short, robust hypostome points to Dermacentor spp.
Assessment of scutum pattern: ornate markings are typical of Amblyomma, while a uniform scutum characterizes Rhipicephalus.
Geographic context: species distribution maps narrow possibilities based on region.
Consulting reputable keys or digital identification tools that incorporate morphological criteria.

After species determination, the appropriate handling is as follows:

If the tick belongs to a species known to transmit Lyme disease (e.g., Ixodes scapularis), transport it to a healthcare provider for serologic testing and prophylactic evaluation.
For ticks associated with rickettsial infections (e.g., Dermacentor variabilis), deliver the specimen to a veterinary clinic if the host is an animal, or to a public health laboratory for pathogen testing.
When the species is rare or of uncertain medical relevance, submit the tick to a reference laboratory equipped for molecular identification and pathogen screening.

Accurate identification eliminates unnecessary referrals and ensures that the tick reaches the facility best suited to address the specific health risks it may pose.

Public Health Implications

Ticks removed from humans or animals can serve as early indicators of vector‑borne disease activity. Prompt, systematic handling of a discovered tick provides data essential for public‑health decision‑making.

Accurate identification and pathogen testing rely on proper specimen management. Laboratories require intact specimens, correct labeling, and timely delivery. Failure to meet these standards compromises diagnostic sensitivity and hampers epidemiological tracking.

Key actions for a removed tick include:

Placement in a sealed, breathable container with a moist substrate to preserve viability.
Immediate transport to a recognized public‑health laboratory, vector‑surveillance unit, or healthcare provider equipped to perform species identification and pathogen assays.
Documentation of collection details (date, location, host, exposure circumstances) accompanying the specimen.

Data generated from tested ticks feed into regional surveillance systems, enabling:

Detection of emerging infection hotspots.
Allocation of preventive resources such as public‑awareness campaigns and tick‑control measures.
Evaluation of intervention effectiveness over time.

Legal frameworks in many jurisdictions mandate reporting of certain tick‑borne pathogens. Compliance with reporting requirements protects community health and supports coordinated response efforts.

How to Properly Remove and Store a Tick

Safe Tick Removal Techniques

When a tick is found attached to skin, immediate removal reduces the risk of pathogen transmission. Use fine‑point tweezers or a dedicated tick‑removal tool; grasp the tick as close to the epidermis as possible, pull upward with steady pressure, and avoid twisting or squeezing the body. After extraction, cleanse the bite site with antiseptic and the tick itself with alcohol or soap and water.

Disinfect tweezers before use.
Grip the tick’s head or mouthparts, not the abdomen.
Apply constant upward force; do not jerk.
Inspect the removed tick to ensure the entire mouthpart is extracted.
Preserve the tick in a sealed container with a damp cotton ball if laboratory identification is required.

Following removal, the specimen should be delivered to a healthcare provider, a local public‑health laboratory, or a veterinary clinic equipped to assess tick‑borne disease risk. Professional evaluation includes symptom monitoring, possible prophylactic treatment, and documentation of the tick species. Retaining the tick enables accurate identification, which informs appropriate medical response.

Recommended Storage Methods

When a tick is removed, preserving it correctly enables accurate species identification and laboratory testing for pathogens. Improper handling can compromise diagnostic results.

Place the tick in a small, airtight container such as a screw‑cap tube or a zip‑lock bag.
Add a few drops of 70 % isopropyl alcohol to immobilize the specimen; for live‑tick analysis, use a dry container without fluid.
Label the container with the date of removal, the body site of attachment, and any relevant patient information.
Store the sealed container at room temperature if preserved in alcohol; otherwise, keep it refrigerated (2–8 °C) and process within 24 hours.
If long‑term storage is required, freeze the specimen at –20 °C after initial preservation.

Following these steps ensures the tick remains viable for identification and that any potential disease agents are detectable.

Labeling and Documentation

When a tick is found, precise labeling and thorough documentation are essential before transport. Accurate records enable reliable identification, support epidemiological monitoring, and facilitate appropriate medical response.

The documentation process should capture:

Date of discovery
Exact geographic coordinates or address
Habitat description (e.g., lawn, forest edge, pet’s fur)
Host species, if applicable
Tick life stage and visible characteristics

Labeling must include a unique identifier that matches the recorded data. Use a waterproof, tamper‑proof tag or barcode attached to the specimen container. The label should display the identifier, collection date, and location code.

After labeling, the specimen should be placed in a sealed, breathable container with a small amount of ethanol or moist cotton to preserve morphology. The container must be clearly marked with the same identifier as the label.

The appropriate destination for the specimen is a qualified diagnostic laboratory, public health agency, or veterinary clinic equipped to perform species confirmation and pathogen testing. Transport should follow biosafety guidelines, maintaining the container’s integrity and preventing accidental release.

Options for Tick Submission

Local Health Departments and Public Health Labs

Role of Public Health Authorities

Public health agencies oversee the management of ticks found by individuals, ensuring that specimens are handled in a manner that supports disease surveillance and prevention.

When a tick is discovered, the agency’s duties include:

Providing clear instructions for safe removal and storage of the tick.
Directing the specimen to a designated laboratory equipped for species identification and pathogen testing.
Recording the submission in a centralized database to track geographic distribution and emerging threats.
Issuing public advisories based on test results and epidemiological trends.

The coordination between local health departments, state laboratories, and national surveillance programs creates a systematic pathway from collection to analysis, enabling timely public health responses and informed risk communication.

Services Offered for Tick Testing

Tick testing services are provided by public health laboratories, university veterinary departments, commercial diagnostic firms, and specialized pest‑control clinics. These entities accept individual ticks for analysis and return results that guide clinical or preventive actions.

Typical offerings include:

Species identification to determine the tick’s life stage and regional risk profile.
Pathogen screening for bacteria (e.g., Borrelia burgdorferi), viruses (e.g., Powassan), and protozoa (e.g., Babesia).
Quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) assays that detect low‑level infections.
Genetic sequencing for emerging or rare pathogens.
Consultation reports that summarize findings and recommend follow‑up measures.

Submission procedures are uniform: place the tick in a sealed container, label with collection date and location, and ship according to the provider’s temperature guidelines. Some services offer rapid turnaround (24–48 hours) for urgent clinical cases, while others provide batch processing for research or surveillance projects.

Cost structures vary. Public health labs often charge nominal fees or waive charges for residents, whereas commercial providers list prices per test, with discounts for multiple specimens. Payment options include insurance billing, direct payment, or institutional funding.

Result delivery formats range from electronic PDFs to secure web portals. Reports typically list species, detected pathogens, assay sensitivity, and interpretive comments. Clients may request additional guidance from the laboratory’s medical entomology staff.

Geographic Limitations

Geographic constraints determine the appropriate destination for a tick that has been found. Legal requirements vary by jurisdiction; some regions mandate immediate reporting to public health authorities, while others allow private laboratory analysis. Transport across state or national borders often requires permits, especially when the tick may carry pathogens of concern.

Key factors influencing destination choice include:

Regulatory jurisdiction – local health departments define reporting obligations and authorized testing facilities.
Pathogen prevalence – endemic areas may have specialized labs equipped to identify region‑specific diseases.
Laboratory capacity – proximity to certified reference centers reduces degradation risk and accelerates results.
Quarantine regulations – certain zones restrict movement of potential disease vectors, requiring containment before shipment.

When a tick is discovered near a border, coordination with both neighboring authorities ensures compliance with cross‑border transport rules. Selecting a laboratory within the same regulatory region minimizes administrative delays and preserves specimen integrity.

Private Laboratories and Academic Institutions

Specialized Tick Testing Services

Specialized tick testing services provide the most reliable destination for a discovered tick. These laboratories possess the expertise and equipment required to determine tick species, assess pathogen presence, and deliver actionable results.

Typical offerings include:

Species identification based on morphological and molecular analysis.
PCR or culture testing for bacteria, viruses, and protozoa such as Borrelia, Anaplasma, Rickettsia, and Babesia.
Quantitative reporting of pathogen load, accompanied by interpretation guidelines.
Recommendations for medical follow‑up or preventive measures.

To utilize a service, follow these steps:

Contact an accredited laboratory to obtain a submission kit and instructions.
Place the tick in a sealed container with a preservative (e.g., 70 % ethanol) as directed.
Complete the accompanying questionnaire, noting collection date, location, and any symptoms.
Ship the specimen using the provided packaging, ensuring temperature stability and timely delivery.

Accurate testing informs clinicians, supports epidemiological surveillance, and reduces unnecessary treatment. Selecting a specialized tick testing service ensures that the tick is examined under controlled conditions, delivering precise data for health‑care decision‑making.

Research Initiatives

Research initiatives addressing the appropriate handling of a discovered tick focus on three interconnected objectives: accurate identification, pathogen detection, and epidemiological integration.

The first objective targets rapid species determination. Federal and university laboratories develop molecular assays that differentiate tick vectors within hours, enabling health professionals to direct specimens to specialized identification centers rather than general clinics.

The second objective concentrates on pathogen screening. Collaborative programs between CDC-affiliated reference labs and regional health departments validate multiplex PCR panels for Borrelia, Anaplasma, Ehrlichia, and emerging viruses. These efforts standardize sample submission protocols, ensuring that collected ticks are sent to certified facilities equipped for high‑throughput testing.

The third objective links individual cases to broader surveillance. National tick‑tracking networks compile data from submitted specimens, mapping geographic distribution of vector species and associated pathogens. Funding streams support real‑time data portals that inform public‑health advisories and guide resource allocation for vector‑control programs.

Key research activities include:

Development of portable diagnostic kits for field collection sites.
Creation of a unified electronic submission system for tick specimens.
Training modules for clinicians on proper packaging and transport to designated laboratories.

Collectively, these initiatives streamline the pathway from tick discovery to scientific analysis, enhancing early detection of tick‑borne diseases and informing targeted prevention strategies.

Cost Considerations

When a tick is found on a person or pet, the decision about where to have it examined or removed carries financial implications that must be weighed before action is taken. Directing the tick to a medical facility typically incurs higher charges than handling it in a primary‑care setting, but the difference depends on insurance status, geographic location, and the urgency of potential disease transmission.

Emergency department – often the most expensive option; fees include facility charges, physician fees, and possible imaging or laboratory tests. Even with insurance, co‑pays and deductibles can exceed several hundred dollars.
Urgent‑care clinic – lower per‑visit cost than a hospital; includes a modest examination fee and, if necessary, a rapid test for tick‑borne pathogens. Insurance usually covers a larger portion of the expense.
Primary‑care physician – generally the least costly route for routine tick removal and basic screening; office visit fees are modest and many plans cover preventive services without additional cost.
Veterinary practice – for pets, the price includes a physical examination, tick extraction tools, and optional serology; costs vary widely by clinic and region.
Self‑removal at home – minimal direct expense (tweezers or a specialized removal device). Indirect costs may arise if symptoms develop and later require medical attention.

Beyond the immediate fees, consider ancillary expenses: transportation to the chosen facility, loss of work hours, and potential follow‑up appointments. Insurance coverage can offset a portion of the bill, but high‑deductible plans may leave the patient responsible for the full amount until the deductible is met. In regions where specialized tick‑testing laboratories are scarce, shipping specimens adds shipping fees and delays, which can increase overall cost. An assessment of these factors helps determine the most financially prudent destination for a discovered tick.

Veterinary Clinics and Pet Hospitals

When to Consult a Veterinarian

A tick discovered on a pet requires prompt assessment. If the animal shows fever, lethargy, loss of appetite, or unexplained pain, immediate veterinary evaluation is warranted. Visible signs of infection at the bite site—redness, swelling, or discharge—also merit professional attention. Pets with compromised immune systems, such as those receiving chemotherapy or chronic steroids, should be examined without delay regardless of symptom severity.

Consult a veterinarian when any of the following conditions apply:

Tick attachment exceeds 24 hours.
Multiple ticks are present simultaneously.
The tick is engorged or unusually large.
The pet has a history of tick‑borne illnesses (e.g., Lyme disease, ehrlichiosis).
The owner cannot safely remove the tick or is uncertain about proper removal technique.

The appropriate location for evaluation is a licensed veterinary practice or an animal‑health emergency clinic. These facilities possess the tools to identify tick species, test for pathogens, and prescribe treatment. When possible, bring the tick in a sealed container for laboratory analysis; otherwise, retain it in a cool, dry environment until the appointment.

Tick Testing for Pets

The proper handling of a tick removed from a pet begins with preservation for laboratory analysis. Place the specimen in a sealed container—such as a small vial with ethanol (70 % is sufficient) or a zip‑lock bag with a damp cotton ball—to maintain its integrity until it reaches a diagnostic facility.

Veterinary clinics equipped with in‑house parasitology labs can receive the tick directly. They perform species identification, assess infection risk, and may submit the sample to specialized reference laboratories for pathogen testing (e.g., Borrelia, Anaplasma, Ehrlichia, Rickettsia).

If the primary care vet lacks testing capabilities, the recommended course is to forward the specimen to one of the following accredited entities:

State or university veterinary diagnostic laboratories
Commercial animal‑health testing services (e.g., IDEXX, Antech)
Regional public‑health laboratories that accept animal samples

When shipping, include a brief label with the pet’s species, collection date, and any observed symptoms. Use overnight courier with temperature control if required by the receiving laboratory’s protocol.

Documentation of the test results guides treatment decisions, informs preventive measures, and contributes to surveillance of tick‑borne diseases in the local pet population.

Human Health Considerations in Pet Owners

Finding a tick on a pet triggers immediate health concerns for the owner. Ticks can transmit pathogens to humans, and prompt evaluation reduces the risk of infection.

Remove the tick with fine‑point tweezers, grasping close to the skin and pulling straight upward.
Preserve the specimen in a sealed container with a damp cotton ball; this aids identification of the species and potential disease agents.
Present the tick to a medical professional, preferably at an urgent‑care clinic or primary‑care office, where laboratory testing can be ordered if needed.
If the owner experiences a rash, fever, or flu‑like symptoms within weeks of the bite, seek medical attention without delay and inform the clinician about the tick exposure.

Human health considerations extend beyond the immediate bite. Pet owners should maintain regular tick‑preventive treatments for animals, inspect both pets and personal clothing after outdoor activities, and keep a record of tick encounters to inform healthcare providers. Early detection and proper handling of ticks protect both the individual and the household from vector‑borne illnesses.

What Happens After Tick Submission

The Tick Testing Process

Identification of Pathogens

When a tick is found, the primary objective is to determine whether it carries disease‑causing microorganisms. Accurate identification of pathogens guides clinical decisions and public‑health actions. The tick must be delivered to a facility equipped for molecular or microscopic analysis.

Laboratories that accept tick specimens include:

State or provincial public‑health laboratories; they routinely perform polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assays for Borrelia, Anaplasma, Ehrlichia, Rickettsia, and Babesia species.
University or veterinary school research labs with entomology departments; they often offer species identification and pathogen screening as part of collaborative projects.
Commercial diagnostic companies specializing in vector‑borne disease testing; they provide rapid PCR panels and serological confirmation for a fee.
Hospital or clinical microbiology labs that have validated protocols for tick testing; they can process urgent samples for patient management.

Specimen handling requirements:

Place the tick in a sterile, air‑tight container (e.g., a screw‑cap tube) with a damp cotton swab or a small amount of ethanol (70 %). Avoid excessive liquid that could dilute the sample.
Label the container with the date of removal, geographic location, and the host from which the tick was collected.
Store the specimen at 4 °C if it will be shipped within 24 hours; for longer intervals, freeze at –20 °C or –80 °C to preserve nucleic acids.
Ship via a courier service that complies with biological specimen regulations, using insulated packaging and cold packs.

Upon receipt, the laboratory will:

Confirm tick species and life stage, which influences the expected pathogen spectrum.
Extract nucleic acids and run multiplex PCR or next‑generation sequencing to detect bacterial, viral, and protozoan agents.
Provide a written report detailing detected pathogens, assay limits, and interpretive comments for clinicians.

Timely submission—ideally within 48 hours of removal—maximizes detection sensitivity and supports appropriate treatment or prophylaxis.

Turnaround Times for Results

When a tick is removed, the specimen must be submitted to a laboratory capable of identifying the species and detecting any pathogens it may carry. The speed with which results become available influences clinical decisions, especially when prophylactic treatment is considered.

Factors that affect the interval between submission and reporting include:

Sample transport method (courier versus postal service)
Laboratory workload and staffing levels
Type of analysis performed (morphological identification, PCR, serology)
Geographic location of the testing facility relative to the point of collection

Typical reporting periods are:

Morphological identification only: 2–5 business days.
PCR testing for common bacterial agents (e.g., Borrelia, Anaplasma): 5–10 business days.
Comprehensive panels that combine PCR, serology, and culture: 10–14 business days.

For urgent clinical scenarios, prioritize facilities that advertise rapid PCR turnaround (≤ 7 days) and offer expedited shipping options. In non‑urgent cases, standard regional public‑health laboratories provide reliable results within the broader timeframes listed above. Selecting the appropriate laboratory based on these timelines ensures that treatment decisions are made with the most current information available.

Interpretation of Results

When a tick is found, interpreting the results of its examination determines the appropriate destination for further action. The analysis begins with species identification, which narrows the range of likely pathogens. Next, laboratory testing for bacterial, viral, or protozoan agents provides concrete evidence of infection risk. The combination of species data and test outcomes guides the decision on whether the tick requires medical evaluation, veterinary consultation, or public‑health reporting.

Key considerations for interpreting findings:

Species known to transmit Lyme disease or Rocky Mountain spotted fever directs the patient to a healthcare provider for prophylactic treatment.
Absence of pathogenic markers suggests observation and removal without immediate medical intervention.
Detection of exotic or invasive species may trigger notification of local health authorities for surveillance purposes.
Positive results for zoonotic agents in a pet‑associated tick warrant veterinary assessment and possible treatment of the animal.

The final determination of where to take the tick hinges on the risk profile established by these results. High‑risk findings mandate prompt referral to a medical facility; low‑risk or negative findings allow for safe disposal and routine monitoring.

Actions Based on Test Results

Medical Consultation

A tick discovered on the body requires prompt professional evaluation. The first step is to remove the arthropod with fine‑point tweezers, grasping close to the skin and pulling upward with steady pressure. Preserve the specimen in a sealed container with a damp cotton swab if identification may be needed.

Seek medical advice from one of the following sources:

Primary‑care physician or family doctor
Urgent‑care clinic (especially if the bite is recent and symptoms appear)
Dermatology office (for atypical skin reactions)
Infectious‑disease specialist (when Lyme disease or other tick‑borne infections are suspected)
Local public‑health department (for guidance on regional tick species and reporting)

During the consultation the clinician will:

Verify tick removal technique and assess for residual mouthparts.
Determine the estimated attachment duration.
Identify the tick species, if possible, to estimate disease risk.
Evaluate the patient for early signs of infection (erythema, fever, headache, joint pain).
Decide on prophylactic antibiotic therapy or order serologic tests based on regional guidelines.

After the appointment, monitor the bite site and overall health for at least four weeks. Report any expanding rash, fever, or neurological symptoms to a healthcare provider without delay.

Preventive Measures

When a tick is found on the skin, prompt and proper handling reduces the risk of pathogen transmission and enables accurate species identification.

Before exposure, adopt measures that lower the chance of attachment: wear long sleeves and trousers, treat clothing with permethrin, apply EPA‑registered repellents containing DEET or picaridin, and perform systematic body checks after outdoor activities.

After a tick is detected, follow a three‑step protocol:

Remove the parasite with fine‑point tweezers, grasping close to the skin and pulling upward with steady pressure; avoid crushing the body.
Transfer the specimen into a sealed container (e.g., a screw‑top vial) containing a small amount of alcohol or damp cotton; label with date, location, and host details.
Deliver the sealed sample to a qualified laboratory, public health office, or veterinary clinic for identification and testing.

These preventive actions—protective attire, repellents, thorough inspections, and a defined post‑discovery workflow—minimize infection risk and support timely medical response.

Ongoing Surveillance and Data Collection

When a tick is found, the specimen should be directed to a facility capable of accurate identification and pathogen testing. Immediate transfer to a recognized laboratory enables reliable data that feed into ongoing surveillance programs. These programs monitor tick distribution, seasonal activity, and infection rates, which are essential for public health decision‑making.

Typical destinations for a collected tick include:

Local public health department laboratory
University or research institute entomology unit
Certified commercial testing service
Veterinary clinic with diagnostic capabilities

Each of these sites records specimen information—location, date, host, and species—in centralized databases. The data are then aggregated at regional and national levels, supporting real‑time mapping of tick‑borne disease risk. Continuous entry of new records refines predictive models, guides targeted control measures, and informs public advisories.

Sustained collection of tick data also facilitates trend analysis. By comparing current findings with historical records, health authorities can detect emerging hotspots, assess the effectiveness of interventions, and allocate resources efficiently. The systematic flow of specimens from the point of discovery to analytical centers thus underpins a robust surveillance infrastructure.