Where should collected ticks be sent for analysis

Understanding the Importance of Tick Analysis

Why Analyze Ticks?

Identifying Pathogens

Accurate detection of bacterial, viral, and protozoan agents in tick specimens requires submission to laboratories equipped for molecular and culture‑based diagnostics. Certified public health or veterinary diagnostic facilities possess the necessary biosafety levels, validated assays, and experienced personnel to generate reliable results.

Typical destinations for tick analysis include:

State or provincial health department laboratories that operate under national surveillance programs.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) or equivalent national reference centers.
University or research institution laboratories with accredited tick‑borne disease programs.
Private veterinary diagnostic services that maintain accreditation for zoonotic pathogen testing.

When preparing specimens for transport, follow these steps:

Place ticks in sterile, leak‑proof containers with a moist substrate (e.g., 70 % ethanol or RNAlater) to preserve nucleic acids.
Label each container with collection date, location, and host information; include a completed submission form specifying the target pathogens.
Ship via overnight courier, ensuring compliance with local and international regulations for biological specimens.
Attach a copy of the laboratory’s shipping instructions and a temperature log if cold chain maintenance is required.

Selecting a qualified laboratory and adhering to standardized shipping protocols maximizes the likelihood of detecting pathogens such as Borrelia, Anaplasma, Rickettsia, and tick‑borne viruses.

Guiding Treatment Decisions

Collected ticks should be forwarded to a qualified diagnostic laboratory equipped to identify tick species and detect associated pathogens. Accurate identification informs clinicians about the likely disease agents, which narrows the range of therapeutic options. Laboratory confirmation of pathogen presence allows practitioners to choose targeted antimicrobial regimens rather than broad-spectrum empiric therapy.

Key benefits of laboratory analysis for treatment decisions include:

Determination of tick species, indicating regional disease risk profiles.
Detection of bacterial, viral, or protozoan agents through PCR, culture, or serology.
Provision of susceptibility data for bacterial pathogens, guiding antibiotic selection.
Generation of a definitive diagnosis, reducing unnecessary medication and associated side effects.

When selecting a facility, prioritize laboratories that:

Hold accreditation for vector-borne disease testing.
Offer rapid turnaround time, ideally within 48–72 hours.
Provide detailed reports that include species identification, pathogen panel results, and, where applicable, antimicrobial susceptibility.

By sending tick specimens to such specialized centers, healthcare providers receive the data needed to tailor therapy, monitor treatment efficacy, and implement appropriate public‑health interventions. This approach optimizes patient outcomes and conserves medical resources.

Contributing to Public Health Surveillance

Collected tick specimens should be forwarded to laboratories equipped for vector‑borne disease diagnostics. These facilities generate the data that feed national and regional surveillance systems, enabling early detection of emerging pathogens and assessment of disease risk.

U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Division of Vector‑Borne Diseases, Atlanta, GA
State public health department laboratories that operate vector surveillance programs
Accredited university or research institute laboratories with validated tick‑testing protocols

When sending samples, include a sealed container with a moisture source, a detailed collection form (date, location, host, life stage), and a chain‑of‑custody label. Use overnight courier services with temperature control if required. Prompt receipt and processing by the designated laboratory ensure that surveillance data are current and actionable for public‑health authorities.

Steps for Submitting Ticks for Analysis

Safe Tick Removal and Storage

Proper Removal Techniques

Proper removal preserves the tick’s morphological features and any pathogens it may carry, enabling accurate laboratory identification.

Use fine‑point tweezers or a specialized tick‑removal tool.
Grasp the tick as close to the skin as possible, avoiding compression of the body.
Apply steady, upward pressure; do not twist or jerk.
Continue pulling until the mouthparts detach completely.
Inspect the attachment site; if any parts remain, remove them with the same technique.

Place the detached tick in a sealed, breathable container such as a small vial or zip‑lock bag. Add a moist cotton ball to maintain humidity, label with date, location, and host information, then refrigerate (4 °C) if transport will exceed 24 hours. Ship the specimen to the appropriate diagnostic laboratory or public‑health agency, following their specific mailing guidelines. This procedure maximizes the reliability of subsequent analysis.

Storage Guidelines for Collected Ticks

Proper storage preserves tick integrity for reliable laboratory examination. Use a rigid, leak‑proof container such as a screw‑cap microtube or a small vial with a breathable seal. Place each specimen in a separate compartment or on a labeled paper strip to prevent cross‑contamination.

Maintain a cool, dry environment. Store specimens at 4 °C (refrigerator temperature) if analysis will occur within 48 hours; otherwise, freeze at –20 °C or lower. Avoid repeated temperature fluctuations, which can degrade nucleic acids and morphological features. Keep humidity below 60 % by using desiccant packets inside the container.

Label each tube with collection date, geographic coordinates, host species, and collector’s initials. Include a unique identifier that matches the field data sheet or electronic database. Record storage conditions in a logbook, noting any deviations from recommended temperature or humidity.

Prepare specimens for shipment according to the following checklist:

Verify that the receiving laboratory accepts frozen or refrigerated material and confirm preferred packaging.
Place frozen ticks in insulated containers with sufficient dry ice or gel packs to maintain the target temperature throughout transit.
Seal the outer package with biohazard labeling and include a completed shipping manifest.
Dispatch the package via an overnight courier service that tracks temperature exposure.

Deliver specimens to the designated diagnostic facility within the laboratory’s recommended timeframe—typically no longer than seven days for frozen samples and 48 hours for refrigerated specimens. Prompt delivery, combined with strict adherence to storage protocols, maximizes diagnostic accuracy and supports effective disease surveillance.

Locating Tick Testing Services

Public Health Laboratories

Public health laboratories serve as the designated facilities for processing tick specimens collected in surveillance or clinical contexts. Their core functions include morphological identification of tick species, molecular detection of bacterial, viral, and protozoan pathogens, and preservation of isolates for further research.

Capabilities provided by these laboratories encompass:

Microscopic examination for species confirmation.
Polymerase chain reaction assays targeting Borrelia, Anaplasma, Ehrlichia, Rickettsia, and other vector‑borne agents.
Enzyme‑linked immunosorbent tests for antigen detection.
Culture of viable organisms when required for antimicrobial susceptibility testing.

Specimen submission follows standardized protocols:

Place live or frozen ticks in a sealed, breathable container with a moist substrate if alive, or in a dry tube for frozen material.
Attach a label indicating species (if known), collection date, geographic location (latitude/longitude or nearest address), and collector’s contact information.
Include a completed submission form detailing the purpose of analysis, any observed symptoms in associated hosts, and required testing panels.
Ship specimens on ice packs for refrigerated samples or with dry ice for frozen specimens, complying with applicable hazardous material regulations.

Coordination typically occurs through state or local health departments, which route samples to state public health laboratories. For advanced testing, specimens may be forwarded to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Division of Vector‑Borne Diseases or other designated national reference laboratories. Contact information for the appropriate agency is usually available on official health department websites.

Results of laboratory analyses are transmitted to the submitting clinician, the originating health department, and, when relevant, entered into national surveillance databases. Timely reporting enables targeted public health interventions, risk assessments, and the dissemination of guidance to affected communities.

State and Local Health Departments

State and local health departments serve as the primary receiving agencies for tick specimens collected by health professionals, laboratories, and the public. These agencies maintain the infrastructure required to store, identify, and test ticks for pathogens, and they coordinate data reporting to national surveillance systems.

When a tick is collected, the recommended procedure is to:

Package the specimen in a sealed container with a dry or frozen medium to preserve integrity.
Include a completed submission form that details the collection date, location (including GPS coordinates when possible), host information, and any observed symptoms.
Ship the package using a courier service that complies with biological material regulations, labeling the parcel as “Specimen for Vector-Borne Disease Testing.”

Upon receipt, the health department’s entomology or vector-borne disease unit conducts species identification, screens for bacterial, viral, and protozoan agents, and records findings in the state’s disease surveillance database. Results are then communicated to the submitting party and, when required, forwarded to federal agencies such as the CDC for broader epidemiological analysis.

Contact information for each jurisdiction is typically available on the department’s website, often under a “Tick Surveillance” or “Vector-Borne Disease” section. Laboratories seeking to send samples should verify the specific submission guidelines of the target department, as requirements may vary by state.

Private Tick Testing Laboratories

Private tick testing laboratories provide specialized analysis of collected arthropods, offering services that public health agencies may not cover. These facilities operate under accredited quality systems, employ molecular diagnostics, and generate detailed pathogen reports for individual or institutional clients.

When selecting a private laboratory for tick specimens, consider the following factors:

Accreditation status (e.g., ISO 17025, CLIA) confirming compliance with recognized standards.
Diagnostic portfolio, including PCR panels for Borrelia, Anaplasma, Ehrlichia, Rickettsia, and emerging agents.
Turnaround time, typically expressed in days from receipt to result delivery.
Pricing structure, encompassing per-sample fees, shipping costs, and optional consultation.
Data handling policies, ensuring confidentiality and secure transmission of results.

Specimens should be packaged in sealed, leak‑proof containers with desiccant, labeled with collection date, location, and host information. Shipping arrangements must comply with local and international regulations for biological material, using carriers that accept exempt biological specimens. Include a completed requisition form specifying the desired tests and contact details for result notification.

Laboratories often provide electronic reporting platforms, enabling rapid access to results and integration with epidemiological databases. Direct communication with the laboratory’s technical staff can clarify ambiguous findings, support interpretation, and guide subsequent public‑health actions.

University and Research Institutions

University laboratories equipped for vector‑borne disease research provide reliable facilities for tick examination. These institutions possess accredited entomology departments, molecular biology suites, and experienced personnel capable of species identification, pathogen detection, and resistance profiling.

Key advantages of sending specimens to academic centers include:

Access to standardized protocols validated by peer‑reviewed publications.
Integration of results into broader surveillance networks and epidemiological databases.
Opportunity for collaborative projects that expand knowledge of tick ecology and public‑health impact.

Prominent examples are:

The Center for Disease Ecology at Harvard University, which offers DNA barcoding and PCR testing for Borrelia and other agents.
The Tick Research Unit at the University of Oxford, specializing in morphological keys and next‑generation sequencing of tick microbiomes.
The Vector‑Borne Disease Laboratory at the University of California, Davis, providing quantitative PCR assays for a range of viral and bacterial pathogens.

Submission procedures typically require:

Packaging ticks in breathable containers with a desiccant to preserve morphology.
Completing a specimen request form that lists collection date, location, host species, and intended analyses.
Including a prepaid courier label or arranging hand‑delivery to the institution’s receiving office.

Institutions often assign a unique accession number upon receipt, enabling traceability and data linkage. Results are communicated via secure electronic portals, with raw data deposited in public repositories when appropriate.

Selecting a university or research institute as the analysis destination ensures methodological rigor, data integration, and the potential for future collaborative investigations into tick‑borne diseases.

Preparing Your Tick for Submission

Required Information for Submission

When sending tick specimens for laboratory examination, include the following details to ensure accurate identification and pathogen testing.

Collector’s full name and institutional affiliation.
Date of collection in ISO 8601 format (YYYY‑MM‑DD).
Precise geographic coordinates (latitude and longitude, decimal degrees) or a validated locality description.
Host species, including scientific name and, when applicable, health status of the host.
Tick life stage (egg, larva, nymph, adult) and sex for adults.
Preservation method used (e.g., 70 % ethanol, RNAlater, frozen at –20 °C) and duration of storage before shipment.
Unique specimen identifier that matches the accompanying data sheet.
Contact information for the submitter (email and telephone) for follow‑up queries.

Package specimens in leak‑proof containers, label each container with the unique identifier, and seal the outer package with biohazard markings if required by the receiving facility. Include a completed data sheet inside the package and retain a copy for records.

Providing complete and accurate information accelerates processing, reduces the need for clarification, and enhances the reliability of diagnostic results.

Packaging and Shipping Instructions

Collected ticks must be placed in a secure, leak‑proof container that prevents escape and protects the sample during transport. Use a rigid, sterile tube or vial with a snap‑cap, insert a small piece of absorbent material to keep the arthropods moist, and seal the container with parafilm or tape.

Label the outer package clearly. Include the collector’s name, collection date, geographic coordinates, and a unique sample identifier. Attach a biohazard sticker if required by the receiving laboratory’s regulations.

Prepare the outer shipping box as follows:

Place the sealed inner container inside a secondary sealed bag.
Insert a cold pack or insulated gel pack to maintain a temperature of 4 °C ± 2 °C, unless the destination lab specifies a different condition.
Fill any remaining space with cushioning material to avoid movement.
Seal the outer box with heavy‑duty tape.

Select a courier that offers tracked, temperature‑controlled delivery and complies with hazardous‑material regulations for biological specimens. Provide the courier with the completed shipping manifest, which must list the contents, weight, and any special handling instructions. Dispatch the package to the designated analysis laboratory within 24 hours of collection to preserve sample integrity.

Cost and Payment Considerations

When planning the shipment of collected ticks for laboratory examination, financial factors determine the feasibility of the process.

Key cost elements include:

Sample packaging materials certified for biohazard transport.
Courier fees, which vary by distance, speed of delivery, and temperature control requirements.
Laboratory processing charges, often comprised of a base fee per specimen and additional fees for molecular testing or pathogen identification.
Administrative overhead, such as documentation preparation and customs clearance for international shipments.

Payment arrangements typically fall into three categories:

Direct billing to the requesting organization, with invoices issued after analysis completion.
Pre‑payment through grant allocations or institutional budgets, allowing the laboratory to commence work without delay.
Reimbursement via insurance providers or public health programs, contingent on documented eligibility and approved service codes.

Budget planning should allocate separate line items for each expense, incorporate contingency funds for unexpected surcharges, and verify that the selected carrier accepts the preferred payment method to avoid processing interruptions.

Interpreting Tick Analysis Results

Understanding Different Test Types

PCR Testing

PCR testing of tick specimens requires submission to laboratories equipped with molecular diagnostics capabilities, validated protocols for arthropod pathogens, and accredited quality‑control systems. Such facilities typically belong to public health agencies, university research centers, or commercial diagnostic companies that specialize in vector‑borne disease surveillance.

Key criteria for selecting a receiving laboratory include:

Availability of validated PCR assays for targeted pathogens (e.g., Borrelia, Anaplasma, Rickettsia, Babesia).
Certification under ISO 15189 or equivalent accreditation.
Established cold‑chain logistics and secure sample tracking.
Experience with DNA extraction from hard‑chitin exoskeletons.
Capacity for high‑throughput processing and rapid result turnaround.

Common destinations meeting these standards are:

State or regional public health laboratories that run routine tick‑borne disease panels.
University veterinary or entomology departments with dedicated molecular facilities.
Commercial diagnostic firms offering custom tick‑pathogen panels.

When preparing specimens, follow the laboratory’s submission guidelines: place ticks in sterile vials with dry ice or a frozen transport medium, label each sample with collection date, location, and species identification, and include a completed request form specifying the pathogens of interest. Prompt delivery to a qualified PCR laboratory ensures reliable detection, supports epidemiological mapping, and informs public‑health interventions.

Immunofluorescence Assays

Collected ticks require referral to laboratories equipped for immunofluorescence assays (IFA) to detect pathogen-specific antibodies. The destination facilities must meet the following criteria:

Accreditation for biosafety level 2 or higher.
Availability of a calibrated fluorescence microscope and validated IFA kits.
Trained personnel experienced in tick preparation, fixation, and slide staining.
Established protocols for data reporting and result turnaround within 7 days.

Public health agencies often designate regional reference centers for vector-borne disease surveillance. Examples include state health department laboratories, university-affiliated veterinary diagnostic units, and specialized entomology institutes. When selecting a destination, verify that the laboratory:

Accepts whole or dissected tick specimens in sealed, temperature‑controlled containers.
Provides a chain‑of‑custody form for sample tracking.
Issues a certificate of analysis confirming assay performance and quality control.

Proper packaging must comply with United Nations transport regulations for infectious substances. Use insulated containers, absorbent material, and ice packs to maintain a temperature of 4 °C–8 °C during transit. Include a detailed label with species identification, collection date, geographic coordinates, and contact information for the submitting investigator.

By directing tick samples to accredited IFA laboratories that fulfill these specifications, researchers ensure reliable detection of Borrelia, Rickettsia, and other tick‑borne pathogens, supporting accurate epidemiological assessments and public‑health interventions.

Implications of Positive Results

Communicating with Healthcare Providers

Effective communication with medical professionals is essential when arranging the transfer of collected tick specimens for laboratory evaluation. Identify the appropriate point of contact—typically a physician, infectious‑disease specialist, or the laboratory director responsible for vector‑borne disease testing. Obtain their preferred method of receipt, which may include a designated courier service, a specific postal address, or a drop‑off location within a clinical facility.

When contacting the provider, convey the following information concisely:

Date of collection and geographic origin of each specimen.
Number of ticks and life stage (larva, nymph, adult).
Preservation method used (e.g., ethanol concentration, refrigeration).
Any preliminary identification (species, engorgement status).

Request written confirmation of the shipping address, required packaging standards, and any regulatory forms (e.g., Material Transfer Agreement, biosafety documentation). Follow the provider’s instructions for labeling, including unique specimen identifiers and a brief description of the collection context.

Prepare the package according to the specified guidelines: sealed, leak‑proof containers; absorbent material to contain spills; and temperature control if required. Attach a copy of the provider’s instructions and a completed requisition form. Use a trackable delivery service and retain the tracking number for reference.

After dispatch, notify the healthcare professional of the shipment date and tracking details. Request acknowledgment of receipt and a timeline for result reporting. Document all correspondence in a secure record to ensure traceability and compliance with institutional policies.

Follow-up Actions and Monitoring

After the specimens arrive at the designated laboratory, the receiving staff should verify the accompanying documentation, confirm the integrity of the containers, and log each sample in the tracking system. Immediate acknowledgment of receipt, including a reference number, enables the submitter to trace the analysis progress.

The laboratory conducts species identification, pathogen detection, and quantitative assessment according to validated protocols. Results are entered into a secure database, flagged for any positive findings, and prepared for dissemination.

Follow‑up actions consist of:

Notifying the originating agency or individual of completed analysis within the agreed turnaround time.
Providing a detailed report that includes tick species, detected pathogens, and recommended control measures.
Recording the outcome in a central surveillance registry to support regional trend analysis.
Initiating a review meeting with public‑health officials if hazardous pathogens are identified, to coordinate response measures.

Ongoing monitoring requires periodic audits of the data pipeline, verification that all samples have been processed, and assessment of reporting timelines. Trends extracted from the aggregated results should be compared against historical baselines, and any significant deviations must trigger alerts to the relevant stakeholders for rapid intervention.

Limitations of Tick Testing

Potential for False Negatives

False‑negative results undermine tick‑borne disease surveillance when specimens are dispatched for laboratory examination. Errors often arise before the sample reaches the analytical facility, reducing the likelihood of pathogen detection.

Factors that increase the risk of missed infections include:

Storage at temperatures unsuitable for pathogen preservation
Extended intervals between collection and shipment
Inadequate labeling that obscures collection date or location
Use of diagnostic methods with limited sensitivity for certain agents
Transport in containers that allow moisture loss or contamination

Mitigation requires selecting accredited laboratories, maintaining a validated cold‑chain from field to receipt, documenting collection details on each vial, and employing molecular or culture techniques with proven detection limits. Consistent application of these practices lowers the probability that infected ticks will be reported as negative.

Not a Substitute for Medical Diagnosis

Collected ticks may be forwarded to public health laboratories, university entomology units, or accredited veterinary diagnostic facilities for species identification, pathogen testing, and surveillance reporting. These institutions possess the expertise and equipment necessary to determine the tick’s taxonomic classification and detect bacterial, viral, or protozoan agents.

The analytical results provide valuable epidemiological data but do not replace clinical evaluation. A laboratory report cannot confirm or rule out disease in a patient; it merely indicates the presence of potential pathogens in the arthropod. Diagnosis of tick‑borne illness requires a physician’s assessment, which incorporates patient history, physical examination, and appropriate laboratory tests on human samples.

Key points for individuals handling ticks:

Submit specimens to a recognized diagnostic center promptly after removal.
Preserve the tick in a sealed container with a moist environment or in ethanol, following the receiving laboratory’s guidelines.
Retain the laboratory report for reference, but schedule a medical appointment if symptoms develop.
Communicate the tick species and test results to the healthcare provider during the consultation.

The laboratory analysis supports public‑health monitoring and informs treatment decisions, yet it remains a supplement to, not a replacement for, professional medical diagnosis.

Preventive Measures After a Tick Bite

Post-Bite Monitoring

Recognizing Symptoms of Tick-Borne Illnesses

Recognizing early signs of tick‑borne diseases guides decisions about where to route specimens for laboratory evaluation. When a patient reports a recent tick bite and exhibits characteristic manifestations, clinicians should promptly arrange for the tick to be forwarded to a qualified diagnostic laboratory, rather than attempting field identification.

Typical clinical presentations include:

Localized erythema at the bite site, often expanding outward in a circular pattern.
Fever accompanied by chills, headache, and muscle aches.
Fatigue, joint pain, or swelling, sometimes with a rash distinct from the bite lesion.
Neurological symptoms such as facial palsy, meningitis‑like signs, or peripheral neuropathy.
Gastrointestinal upset, including nausea or abdominal pain, in some infections.

If any of these symptoms appear within weeks of exposure, the tick should be placed in a sealed container and dispatched to a certified reference center for pathogen testing. Prompt submission enhances diagnostic accuracy and informs appropriate therapeutic measures.

Prophylactic Treatment Options

When and Why Prophylaxis is Considered

Collected ticks are typically dispatched to a public‑health or veterinary laboratory equipped for species identification, pathogen detection, and susceptibility testing. Prompt submission facilitates accurate diagnosis and informs preventive measures for the individual who found the tick.

Prophylaxis is initiated under specific circumstances:

Bite by a tick known to transmit Borrelia burgdorferi in an area with documented high infection rates.
Attachment time exceeding 36 hours, indicating increased likelihood of pathogen transmission.
Presence of erythema migrans or other early signs of tick‑borne disease.
Immunocompromised host or pregnant individual, where disease progression poses greater risk.
Absence of reliable laboratory confirmation and immediate treatment is deemed safer.

The rationale for prophylactic treatment includes:

Reduction of disease incidence by interrupting pathogen development before systemic spread.
Minimization of severe complications associated with delayed therapy, such as neurologic or cardiac involvement.
Provision of a therapeutic safety net when laboratory results are pending or unavailable.
Alignment with public‑health guidelines that balance drug exposure against infection risk.

Timely analysis of the submitted tick informs the decision to start or withhold prophylaxis. Identification of the tick species and detection of specific pathogens enable clinicians to tailor treatment, avoid unnecessary medication, and contribute data for regional surveillance programs.