Where to send a tick for analysis after a bite?

Immediate Steps After a Tick Bite

Safe Tick Removal Techniques

Proper removal of a tick reduces the risk of pathogen transmission. Use fine‑pointed tweezers or a specialized tick‑removal tool. Grasp the tick as close to the skin as possible, apply steady upward pressure, and pull straight out without twisting. Disinfect the bite site with an antiseptic after removal.

Hold the tick with tweezers at the mouthparts.
Pull upward with constant force.
Avoid squeezing the body.
Clean the wound with alcohol or iodine.
Store the tick in a sealed plastic container with a damp cotton swab.

After extraction, place the tick in a labeled, airtight vial. Contact the nearest public health laboratory, university veterinary department, or the national disease‑control agency for analysis. Many regional health departments provide mailing instructions and prepaid envelopes for specimen submission. Prompt delivery to an accredited diagnostic center enables accurate identification of species and testing for tick‑borne pathogens.

Initial Wound Care

After a tick attachment, clean the bite site immediately. Use mild soap and running water to remove debris, then rinse thoroughly. Pat the area dry with a sterile gauze pad; avoid rubbing, which can irritate skin.

Apply a thin layer of antiseptic—such as povidone‑iodine or chlorhexidine—directly to the wound. Allow the solution to air‑dry before covering. If the bite is in a location prone to friction, place a sterile, non‑adhesive dressing to protect the area and reduce the risk of secondary infection.

Monitor the site for signs of inflammation: redness extending beyond the margin, swelling, warmth, or pus formation. Record the date and time of the bite, as well as any changes in the wound’s appearance, to provide accurate information to healthcare professionals.

When the tick is removed, preserve it for laboratory identification. Place the specimen in a sealed container (e.g., a small plastic tube) with a damp piece of cotton to maintain humidity. Label the container with the collection date and location of the bite. Submit the sealed container to a regional public‑health laboratory, university entomology department, or a veterinary diagnostic service that offers tick analysis. These facilities can confirm species, test for pathogens, and advise on any further medical intervention.

When to Seek Medical Attention

After a tick attaches, remove it promptly with fine‑tipped tweezers, clean the area, and note the date of the bite. Monitor the site and overall health for the next several weeks.

Seek professional medical evaluation if any of the following occurs:

Redness or swelling expands beyond the bite site.
A circular rash (often called a “bull’s‑eye”) appears.
Fever, chills, headache, or muscle aches develop.
Nausea, vomiting, or joint pain emerge.
The bite area becomes painful, warm, or drains fluid.
You have a known allergy to tick‑borne diseases or are immunocompromised.

If symptoms arise, contact a healthcare provider promptly; early diagnosis and treatment reduce the risk of complications. When possible, bring the detached tick to the clinic for identification, as this assists in determining the appropriate diagnostic tests. If the tick cannot be delivered, describe its size, color, and the region where the bite occurred; this information guides the clinician’s assessment.

Options for Tick Analysis

Why Tick Testing is Important

Identifying Pathogens

Identifying the microorganisms carried by a tick after a bite requires submission of the specimen to a laboratory equipped to detect bacterial, viral, and protozoan agents. Selection of an appropriate facility hinges on accreditation, the range of pathogens tested, and turnaround time for results.

Specimen handling must follow strict guidelines: place the tick in a sterile, sealable container; keep the sample refrigerated (2–8 °C) unless the laboratory specifies otherwise; label with collection date, geographic location, and relevant patient information; ship promptly to avoid degradation of nucleic acids.

Typical laboratories capable of comprehensive tick analysis include:

CDC Division of Vector‑Borne Diseases (national reference, accepts specimens through state health departments)
State public health laboratories (often provide PCR, culture, and serology for region‑specific pathogens)
Commercial reference labs such as Quest Diagnostics and Labcorp (offer panels for Borrelia, Anaplasma, Ehrlichia, Rickettsia, Babesia, and tick‑borne viruses)
University or veterinary school research labs with vector‑borne disease expertise (often listed on institutional websites)

To locate a suitable laboratory, contact the local health department, consult the CDC “Tick Testing” portal, or search online directories for accredited diagnostic centers. Provide the specimen with complete metadata to ensure accurate pathogen identification and appropriate clinical follow‑up.

Guiding Treatment Decisions

Sending a removed tick to a qualified laboratory provides definitive species identification and pathogen detection, which directly shape therapeutic choices. Accurate identification distinguishes vectors that transmit Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, or other infections, allowing clinicians to prescribe targeted antibiotics or to withhold treatment when the tick is non‑infectious.

Key factors influencing treatment decisions include:

Species and life stage of the tick (larva, nymph, adult)
Geographic origin and known endemic pathogens in the region
Laboratory results confirming presence or absence of specific agents (e.g., Borrelia burgdorferi, Rickettsia spp.)
Time elapsed since the bite and any emerging clinical signs

When laboratory analysis confirms a pathogen, evidence‑based regimens are initiated promptly; if results are negative, observation and supportive care replace unnecessary antimicrobial therapy. This approach minimizes adverse drug effects, reduces resistance pressure, and aligns patient management with current clinical guidelines.

Public Health Services and Laboratories

Government Health Departments

Government health agencies provide the official channels for submitting ticks collected after a bite. These agencies maintain laboratories equipped to identify tick species, detect pathogens, and generate reports used for public‑health surveillance.

In the United States, the primary points of contact are:

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) – national reference laboratory; accepts specimens through state health departments.
State health department laboratories – each state designates a vector‑borne disease unit that processes ticks and forwards unusual findings to the CDC.
Local health department offices – receive specimens from residents, perform preliminary identification, and coordinate with state labs.

Outside the United States, equivalent bodies include national institutes of public health (e.g., Public Health England, the Robert Koch Institute in Germany) and regional health authorities that operate specialized entomology laboratories. Contact information is available on official websites; submission guidelines typically require a sealed container, a completed request form, and a brief description of exposure circumstances.

University Laboratories

University laboratories equipped for vector‑borne disease research provide reliable services for testing ticks removed after a bite. Typical facilities include:

Entomology or acarology departments that maintain tick colonies and have validated PCR or microscopy protocols for pathogen detection.
Veterinary schools with diagnostic clinics that process animal‑derived specimens and often extend services to human samples under institutional review.
Schools of public health or epidemiology that operate reference laboratories accredited by the College of American Pathologists or equivalent bodies.

To submit a specimen, contact the laboratory’s vector‑diagnostics coordinator, provide the following information, and follow the prescribed shipping instructions:

Date of removal, geographic location, and host species.
Preservation method (e.g., placed in a sealed tube with 70 % ethanol or kept refrigerated without preservatives).
Completed requisition form indicating desired tests (e.g., PCR for Borrelia, Anaplasma, or Rickettsia).

Most university labs require a signed material transfer agreement and may charge a fee covering processing and reporting. Results are typically delivered within 7–14 days, accompanied by an interpretation guide that outlines clinical relevance and recommended follow‑up actions.

Private Laboratories

Online Services

After a tick attachment, rapid identification and pathogen testing are essential for appropriate medical response. Digital platforms enable individuals to submit photos, specimen data, or physical samples without visiting a laboratory in person.

CDC Tick Identification portal – accepts uploaded images, provides species determination, and supplies guidance on disease risk assessment.
iNaturalist – community‑driven image recognition; experts verify submissions and can advise on further testing.
BugGuide – curated by entomologists; users upload high‑resolution photos for accurate classification.
University mail‑in programs – several research institutions (e.g., University of Rhode Island, University of Minnesota) offer prepaid shipping labels for whole ticks, returning results with species identification and PCR testing for common pathogens.
Private diagnostic services – companies such as TickCheck and TickLab provide online ordering of collection kits, direct mailing of specimens, and electronic delivery of laboratory reports.
State health department portals – many jurisdictions host e‑consultation forms where residents can submit details and receive referrals to accredited labs.

When selecting a service, verify that the provider follows CLIA‑certified testing standards, offers secure data handling, and supplies clear interpretation of results. Prompt submission, typically within 24 hours of removal, maximizes detection accuracy for bacterial, viral, and protozoan agents.

Local Medical Clinics with Testing Capabilities

Local medical clinics that offer tick testing provide a practical option for patients who need prompt identification of tick‑borne pathogens after an attachment. These facilities typically have a laboratory or a partnership with a regional public‑health lab, enabling them to process the specimen, identify the species, and run polymerase chain reaction (PCR) or serologic assays for common infections such as Lyme disease, anaplasmosis, and babesiosis.

When selecting a clinic, verify that it holds a certified laboratory or a formal agreement with an accredited reference laboratory. Confirm that the clinic accepts whole ticks, not just skin biopsies, and that it follows a documented chain‑of‑custody protocol. Ask about turnaround time, cost, and whether results are communicated directly to the patient or to the ordering physician.

Key considerations for patients:

Bring the intact tick in a sealed container; avoid crushing or washing the specimen.
Provide details on the date of removal, geographic location of the bite, and any symptoms experienced.
Request a written report that includes species identification, pathogen test results, and recommended follow‑up actions.

In many regions, primary‑care offices, urgent‑care centers, and community health clinics maintain the capability to forward ticks to state health departments for analysis. Contact the local health department website or call the clinic’s laboratory services line to confirm availability before the appointment.

Preparing the Tick for Submission

Proper Storage and Handling

Container Recommendations

When a tick is removed after a bite, the container used for transport directly affects specimen integrity and diagnostic reliability.

Recommended containers:

Rigid, sealable plastic vials (e.g., 15‑ml polypropylene) with a tight‑locking cap.
Small, sterile screw‑top tubes (e.g., 2‑ml microcentrifuge tubes) for individual ticks.
Paper envelopes (uncoated, white) when immediate refrigeration is unavailable; the envelope must be placed inside a secondary waterproof bag.

Preparation steps:

Place the tick alive or dead, as instructed by the receiving laboratory, into the chosen container.
Add a moist cotton swab or a drop of sterile saline if the tick is alive, to prevent desiccation.
Label the container with collection date, removal location, patient identifier, and any relevant clinical information.

Shipping considerations:

Use a insulated mailer with a cold pack if the laboratory requires refrigeration (typically 4 °C).
Ensure the outer package complies with postal regulations for biological specimens; include a “Biological Substance, Category B” label when required.
Dispatch the package to the laboratory’s designated address within 24–48 hours of collection to preserve pathogen viability.

Adhering to these container and shipping guidelines maximizes the likelihood of accurate identification of tick‑borne agents.

Temperature and Time Considerations

When a tick removed after a bite is to be examined, the integrity of the specimen depends on how quickly it reaches a laboratory and the conditions during transport.

The specimen should be placed in a sealed container that prevents escape and moisture loss. Immediately after collection, the container must be kept at a temperature that slows bacterial growth without freezing the tick. The optimal range is 4 °C to 10 °C (refrigerator temperature). If refrigeration is unavailable, a cooler with ice packs can maintain the required range for several hours.

Time limits are strict. The tick should arrive at the diagnostic facility within 48 hours of removal. Delays beyond this period increase the risk of DNA degradation and loss of pathogen viability, which can compromise test results.

Key parameters for shipping:

Temperature: 4 °C–10 °C; avoid temperatures above 20 °C or below 0 °C.
Maximum duration: 48 hours from collection to receipt.
Packaging: airtight tube or vial with a moist cotton pad; secondary insulated container with ice packs; clear labeling of collection date and time.

If the specimen cannot be kept within the temperature range, freezing at –20 °C is an alternative, but only after the tick has been placed in a dry, sealed container to prevent ice crystal damage. In that case, the sample must remain frozen until it reaches the laboratory, and thawing should occur only in the lab.

Adhering to these temperature and time guidelines ensures that the tick remains suitable for molecular, serological, or culture‑based analyses, providing reliable data for diagnosis and public‑health reporting.

Required Information for Submission

Patient Details

When a tick is removed, the laboratory that will examine it requires precise patient information to interpret results and guide follow‑up care. The essential data fall into three categories: personal identifiers, clinical background, and exposure specifics.

Full name, date of birth, and a reliable contact number or email address.
Residential address or the location where the bite occurred, including any recent travel to endemic regions.
Health insurance details or the referring physician’s name and contact information.

Clinical background must include:

Current medications, especially immunosuppressants or anticoagulants.
Known allergies, particularly to antibiotics or tick‑borne disease treatments.
Chronic conditions such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, or autoimmune disorders.

Exposure specifics are critical for risk assessment:

Date and approximate time of tick removal.
Anatomical site of the bite and whether the tick was engorged.
Description of the tick, if possible (size, life stage, coloration).
Presence of any symptoms since the bite: fever, rash, joint pain, or neurological signs.

Providing this complete set of details enables the receiving laboratory to select appropriate diagnostic tests, report findings accurately, and advise the clinician on necessary preventive or therapeutic measures.

Bite Location and Date

Accurate documentation of the bite site and the exact calendar day is essential for determining the appropriate laboratory for tick analysis. The anatomical region where the tick attached influences the likely species, which in turn dictates which reference center possesses the necessary expertise and testing capabilities.

The date of exposure governs several operational factors. Viable specimens must reach the testing facility within a defined post‑attachment window; most laboratories require receipt within 48–72 hours to ensure reliable pathogen detection. Shipping logistics, including carrier schedules and temperature control, are planned around this timeframe.

Key considerations for submitting a tick sample:

Record the precise body part (e.g., scalp, forearm, leg) where the tick was found.
Note the exact date and, if possible, the time of the bite.
Match the bite location to regional tick species distributions to select a specialized lab.
Verify the laboratory’s receipt deadline and arrange expedited shipping accordingly.
Include a brief label with location and date information attached to the specimen container.

Following these steps ensures the specimen reaches a competent facility while preserving diagnostic integrity.

Symptoms (if any)

After a tick attachment, clinical signs may develop within hours or emerge days later. Recognizing these manifestations guides the decision to submit the specimen to a diagnostic laboratory.

Erythema at the bite site, ranging from mild redness to a clear, expanding annular lesion (often called a “bull’s‑eye” rash)
Persistent itching or burning around the attachment point
Fever, chills, or flu‑like malaise
Headache, neck stiffness, or muscle aches
Joint pain or swelling, especially in large joints
Neurological symptoms such as tingling, numbness, or facial weakness
Unexplained fatigue or weight loss

The presence of any of the above, particularly a bull’s‑eye rash or systemic fever, indicates that the tick should be sent to a reference center equipped for pathogen detection. In the absence of symptoms, routine identification by a local health department remains appropriate, but delayed or atypical signs warrant referral to a specialized microbiology or vector‑borne disease laboratory.

Understanding Tick-Borne Diseases

Common Tick-Borne Illnesses

Lyme Disease

Lyme disease, caused by the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi transmitted through tick bites, requires laboratory confirmation when clinical signs are ambiguous. Accurate identification of the tick species and testing for pathogen DNA provide essential data for diagnosis and epidemiological tracking.

Specimens can be submitted to:

State or local public health laboratories, which often offer free or low‑cost testing and maintain regional surveillance data.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reference laboratories; samples are accepted through state health departments for confirmatory polymerase chain reaction (PCR) or culture analyses.
Certified commercial diagnostic companies (e.g., Quest Diagnostics, Labcorp) that provide tick‑identification services and molecular testing for B. burgdorferi and co‑infecting agents.

When sending a tick, include the collection date, location, and host information. Preserve the specimen in a sealed container at ambient temperature; avoid refrigeration, which may impair DNA integrity. Documentation of the submission, including tracking numbers, ensures traceability and timely receipt of results.

Anaplasmosis

When a tick bite raises concern for anaplasmosis, the specimen should be forwarded to a laboratory equipped to detect Anaplasma phagocytophilum. Reliable options include:

State or provincial public health laboratories; they routinely perform PCR and serology for tick‑borne pathogens.
University‑affiliated veterinary or medical diagnostic centers; many maintain validated assays for Anaplasma.
Commercial reference laboratories such as Quest Diagnostics, Labcorp, or specialized tick‑testing services (e.g., TickReport, Idaho Integrated Pest Management); these offer PCR panels covering anaplasmosis and related agents.
Hospital‑based microbiology departments; if a patient is under clinical care, the attending facility can process the tick or order molecular testing on the patient’s sample.

Prior to shipping, follow these steps:

Place the tick in a sterile, airtight container (e.g., a sealed microcentrifuge tube) without preservatives.
Label the container with collection date, location, and patient identifier if applicable.
Store at 4 °C if shipping within 24 hours; otherwise freeze at –20 °C to preserve nucleic acids.
Include a completed requisition form specifying the target pathogen (anaplasmosis) and any relevant clinical information.

Contact the chosen laboratory to confirm specimen requirements, turnaround time, and cost. Accurate submission ensures timely detection and appropriate medical or veterinary response.

Powassan Virus

If a tick bite raises concern for Powassan virus, the specimen should be directed to a laboratory equipped to detect flaviviruses in arthropods. The first point of contact is often the local or state health department, which can arrange testing through its vector‑borne disease program or forward the sample to a designated reference laboratory. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) maintains a Tick‑Borne Disease Laboratory that accepts specimens from clinicians and public‑health officials for Powassan virus PCR and serology. University or veterinary school laboratories with entomology or virology cores frequently provide testing on a fee‑for‑service basis and may be listed on state health‑department websites. Commercial diagnostic companies, such as Labcorp and Quest Diagnostics, offer tick‑testing panels that include Powassan virus when ordered by a health‑care provider.

Typical submission procedure:

Place the tick in a sterile, sealable container (e.g., a 1.5‑ml microcentrifuge tube) with a damp cotton ball to maintain humidity.
Label the container with patient identifier, date of bite, geographic location, and any symptoms.
Store at 4 °C if shipping will occur within 24 hours; otherwise, freeze at –20 °C to preserve viral RNA.
Include a completed requisition form specifying Powassan virus testing and the preferred method (PCR, culture, or serology).
Ship via overnight courier with appropriate biohazard labeling, following the receiving laboratory’s packaging instructions.

When immediate access to a reference laboratory is unavailable, clinicians should contact their regional health authority for guidance on the nearest accredited facility. Prompt submission improves the likelihood of detecting Powassan virus, facilitating appropriate clinical management and public‑health reporting.

Symptoms to Monitor For

Early Symptoms

After a tick attachment, the first clinical signs often appear within hours to a few days. These manifestations provide the earliest indication that the bite may involve pathogen transmission and that the specimen should be examined.

Localized redness or swelling at the bite site, expanding beyond the immediate area.
A small, raised bump resembling a papule, sometimes accompanied by itching.
Mild fever, typically ranging from 37.5 °C to 38.5 °C, without other obvious cause.
Headache or generalized fatigue that develops shortly after the encounter.
Muscle aches or joint discomfort that are disproportionate to normal post‑exercise soreness.

When any of these symptoms emerge, the attached tick should be placed in a sealed container and forwarded to a qualified laboratory for identification and pathogen testing. Prompt submission increases the likelihood of detecting early infections such as Lyme disease, tick‑borne encephalitis, or anaplasmosis, facilitating timely medical intervention.

Late-Stage Symptoms

After a tick bite, some infections remain asymptomatic for weeks before producing systemic signs. Late-stage manifestations reflect tissue invasion and immune response.

Typical late-stage symptoms include:

Persistent fever or chills
Severe fatigue lasting days to weeks
Joint swelling, especially in knees and ankles, with limited mobility
Neurological deficits such as facial nerve palsy, numbness, or meningitis‑like headaches
Cardiac irregularities, including atrioventricular block or myocarditis
Dermatologic changes, notably expanding erythema or chronic skin lesions
Hepatosplenomegaly and abnormal blood counts

Accurate identification of the tick species assists clinicians in linking these signs to specific pathogens. Specimens should be dispatched to accredited public health or veterinary laboratories equipped for molecular or serologic analysis. Packaging must preserve the tick’s integrity; include date of removal, location of exposure, and any observed engorgement.

Laboratory results, combined with the clinical picture, guide targeted therapy and prevent further organ damage. Prompt submission of the tick after removal therefore supports effective management of late-stage disease.

Prevention and Follow-Up

Preventive Measures

Repellents and Protective Clothing

Effective prevention of tick attachment depends on two measures: topical repellents and appropriate clothing.

Chemical repellents:
- DEET (20‑30 % concentration) applied to exposed skin.
- Picaridin (10‑20 % concentration) applied to skin and hair.
- IR3535 (20 % concentration) suitable for children.
- Permethrin (0.5 % concentration) applied to clothing, boots, and gear; remains active after several washes.
Protective clothing:
- Long‑sleeved shirts and long pants made of tightly woven fabric.
- Pants tucked into socks or boots to block access to legs.
- Light‑colored garments to facilitate early tick detection.
- Treated garments (permethrin) for added deterrence.

When a bite occurs, the tick must be placed in a sealed, breathable container, labeled with collection details, and dispatched to a qualified laboratory for species identification and pathogen testing. Prompt submission enables accurate diagnosis and informs appropriate medical response.

Tick Checks

Tick checks involve a systematic examination of the skin and clothing for attached arthropods after outdoor exposure. The procedure begins with a thorough visual scan, focusing on warm, moist areas such as the scalp, armpits, groin, and behind the knees. If a tick is found, it should be grasped with fine‑point tweezers as close to the skin as possible, lifted straight upward, and removed without crushing the body.

Preserving the specimen enables species identification and laboratory testing for pathogens. Immediate placement in a sealed, airtight container prevents desiccation; adding a damp cotton ball maintains humidity if transport will exceed 24 hours. Label the container with the date of removal, exact body site, and any relevant travel or exposure history.

Common destinations for a removed tick include:

State or provincial public health laboratory, which offers standardized testing for Lyme disease and other tick‑borne agents.
University or research institution with an entomology or infectious‑disease department, often providing detailed species confirmation.
Commercial diagnostic service that processes individual specimens for a fee, delivering results within a few days.
Veterinary diagnostic laboratory, suitable when the bite occurred on a pet or when animal‑specific pathogens are suspected.
Local health department’s vector‑borne disease unit, which may accept submissions without charge for surveillance purposes.

When shipping, use a cushioned envelope or small insulated box, include a cold pack if the carrier recommends refrigeration, and attach a clear statement of purpose (e.g., “Tick specimen for pathogen analysis”). Follow the recipient’s specific instructions regarding paperwork and specimen handling to ensure accurate results.

Post-Analysis Actions

Interpreting Test Results

After a tick removal, the specimen is typically sent to a public‑health laboratory, a university reference center, or a commercial diagnostic service that offers pathogen testing. The laboratory report provides the core data needed to assess infection risk.

The report usually contains three sections:

Identification of the tick species and life stage, which narrows the spectrum of possible pathogens.
Molecular or serological test results for common agents (e.g., Borrelia burgdorferi, Anaplasma phagocytophilum, Babesia microti, Rickettsia spp.). Results are marked as positive, negative, or indeterminate.
Comments on assay sensitivity, detection limits, and any cross‑reactivity issues that may affect interpretation.

A positive result indicates that the tick carried the specified pathogen at the time of collection. This does not guarantee transmission, but it raises the probability of infection and justifies clinical monitoring or prophylactic treatment according to established guidelines. A negative result suggests the tested agents were absent or below detection thresholds; however, it does not exclude infection by untested organisms or strains outside the assay’s scope. Indeterminate findings require repeat testing or alternative methods, such as culture or next‑generation sequencing, to resolve uncertainty.

Clinical actions derived from the report include:

Initiating targeted antimicrobial therapy when the pathogen is known to cause disease and the patient exhibits compatible symptoms.
Scheduling follow‑up serology or PCR testing to detect early seroconversion if the initial result is negative but exposure risk remains high.
Documenting the laboratory’s reference for future cases, which streamlines specimen routing and reduces turnaround time.

Timeliness matters: most laboratories issue results within 7–14 days. Prompt interpretation enables clinicians to intervene before disease progression, thereby improving patient outcomes.

Consulting a Healthcare Professional

After a tick attachment, the first professional contact should be a qualified medical practitioner, preferably a primary‑care physician or an infectious‑disease specialist. These clinicians can assess the bite, estimate the tick’s duration of attachment, and determine whether laboratory testing is warranted.

The clinician will request the tick itself, if it is still attached or can be retrieved safely, and will advise on proper preservation—placing the specimen in a sealed container with a damp cotton ball or ethanol, depending on laboratory protocols. Accurate identification of the tick species and testing for pathogens such as Borrelia, Anaplasma, or Rickettsia relies on these handling steps.

When seeking medical advice, provide the following information:

Date of bite and estimated time the tick remained attached.
Geographic location where the bite occurred.
Any symptoms observed (fever, rash, joint pain).
Details of any prior vaccinations or prophylactic treatments.

If the primary physician lacks expertise in tick‑borne diseases, they can refer the patient to a regional public‑health laboratory or a university‑affiliated center that processes arthropod specimens. Referral ensures that the tick is examined by entomologists or microbiologists equipped to perform species identification and pathogen detection.