Where to send a tick for laboratory analysis?

Why Tick Testing is Important

Understanding Tick-Borne Diseases

Common Pathogens in Ticks

Ticks transmit a range of bacterial, viral, and protozoan agents that pose health risks to humans and animals. Laboratory testing of a collected tick can identify these agents, guide clinical management, and support epidemiological surveillance. Samples are typically submitted to veterinary diagnostic labs, public health reference centres, or specialized commercial facilities equipped for molecular or serological detection.

Common tick‑borne pathogens include:

Borrelia burgdorferi – causative agent of Lyme disease; detected by PCR or culture.
Anaplasma phagocytophilum – agent of human granulocytic anaplasmosis; identified via PCR or immunofluorescence.
Rickettsia spp. – includes R. rickettsii (Rocky Mountain spotted fever) and other spotted‑fever group organisms; diagnosed by PCR, culture, or serology.
Babesia microti – protozoan responsible for babesiosis; recognized by PCR or microscopy.
Ehrlichia chaffeensis – causes human monocytic ehrlichiosis; detected by PCR or serology.
Tick‑borne encephalitis virus (TBEV) – flavivirus prevalent in Eurasia; identified by RT‑PCR or neutralization assays.
Coxiella burnetii – agent of Q fever; can be found in tick samples using PCR.

Choosing a laboratory with validated assays for these agents ensures accurate results. Submitting the tick with accompanying data—collection site, date, host species, and life stage—optimizes diagnostic yield and informs public‑health response.

Health Risks of Untreated Infections

Ticks transmit bacteria, spirochetes, and protozoa that can cause systemic disease if not identified promptly. Submitting a specimen to a certified diagnostic facility enables early detection, guides treatment, and reduces the likelihood of complications.

Lyme disease: joint inflammation, neurological deficits, cardiac conduction disturbances.
Rocky Mountain spotted fever: vascular leakage, organ failure, mortality rates increase without therapy.
Anaplasmosis: severe thrombocytopenia, respiratory distress, potential progression to sepsis.
Babesiosis: hemolytic anemia, renal impairment, heightened risk in immunocompromised patients.
Ehrlichiosis: hepatic dysfunction, persistent fever, possible development of chronic fatigue.

Appropriate laboratories include state public‑health microbiology labs, university veterinary diagnostic centers, and accredited commercial tick‑testing services. Contact local health authorities or professional societies to obtain a list of accredited facilities; most accept mailed specimens with temperature‑controlled packaging and a completed requisition form.

Delays in specimen submission extend the incubation period, allowing pathogens to disseminate. Untreated infections may become refractory to standard antibiotics, necessitate prolonged hospitalization, and increase long‑term morbidity. Prompt analysis of the tick specimen is therefore essential for effective clinical management.

Where to Find Tick Testing Services

Local Health Departments

Services Offered

Laboratories that accept tick specimens provide a defined set of diagnostic and ancillary services.

Species confirmation through morphological examination or DNA barcoding.
Detection of bacterial, viral, and protozoan pathogens using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) panels, quantitative PCR, or multiplex assays.
Serological testing for antibodies against tick‑borne agents when applicable.
Antimicrobial resistance profiling for bacterial isolates obtained from ticks.
Whole‑genome sequencing for research‑oriented investigations or outbreak tracing.

Service delivery includes standardized sample receipt protocols, temperature‑controlled shipping instructions, and chain‑of‑custody documentation. Turnaround times range from 24 hours for rapid PCR screens to 7–10 days for comprehensive panels. Results are supplied in electronic formats compatible with laboratory information systems, accompanied by interpretive comments from certified medical technologists.

Accreditation status, such as CLIA, ISO 15189, or CAP, is disclosed for each facility, ensuring compliance with quality‑assurance standards. Payment options encompass insurance billing, institutional contracts, and self‑pay with transparent fee schedules.

Additional support services may involve epidemiological consultation, data aggregation for surveillance programs, and customized reporting for veterinary or public‑health agencies.

Submission Procedures

To submit a tick for laboratory examination, follow a defined protocol that ensures specimen integrity and compliance with regulatory requirements.

Collect the specimen using fine‑point tweezers, grasping the tick close to the mouthparts to avoid damage. Place the individual in a sterile, leak‑proof container such as a 1.5‑ml microcentrifuge tube. Add 70 % ethanol or RNAlater, depending on the intended analysis, to preserve nucleic acids and morphology. Label the container with a unique identifier, collection date, geographic coordinates, host species, and collector name.

Prepare accompanying documentation that includes:

Sample identification code
Detailed collection information (location, date, host)
Intended diagnostic tests (e.g., pathogen PCR, species identification)
Contact details of the submitter

Select a certified courier experienced in biological shipments. Use insulated packaging with sufficient absorbent material to contain potential leaks. Affix the appropriate hazardous material label if required by the carrier. Verify that the shipment complies with national and international regulations for the transport of arthropod specimens.

Contact the receiving laboratory in advance to confirm acceptance criteria, turnaround time, and any specific packaging instructions. Include a pre‑paid return envelope if the lab offers specimen return services. Retain proof of shipment and tracking number for reference.

Upon arrival, the laboratory will log the sample, perform quality checks, and proceed with the requested analyses. Results are typically communicated via secure email or an online portal within the agreed timeframe.

Private Laboratories

Identifying Reputable Labs

When selecting a laboratory to analyze a tick, prioritize objective credentials and proven expertise. Accredited facilities demonstrate compliance with recognized standards, ensuring reliable results.

Key factors for evaluating laboratories:

Accreditation: Look for CLIA certification or ISO 17025 accreditation specific to entomology or vector‑borne disease testing.
Specialization: Confirm that the lab regularly processes arthropod specimens and employs qualified entomologists or molecular biologists.
Turnaround time: Verify typical reporting periods; faster results are critical for timely public‑health decisions.
Sample handling protocols: Ensure the lab provides clear instructions for preservation, packaging, and shipping, reducing the risk of degradation.
Cost transparency: Obtain a detailed quote that separates testing, shipping, and reporting fees.
Reputation: Review peer‑reviewed publications, professional society endorsements, and feedback from veterinary or public‑health networks.

Contact professional bodies such as the American Society of Parasitologists or the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for recommended laboratories. Request documentation of accreditation and a description of the testing methodology before dispatching the specimen. This systematic vetting process minimizes error and guarantees that the tick analysis meets scientific and regulatory standards.

Cost and Turnaround Time

Choosing a laboratory for tick analysis hinges on two measurable factors: the price charged for the service and the time required to receive results.

Cost considerations

Commercial diagnostic labs: US $150–$300 per specimen, includes DNA extraction, PCR, and reporting.
Academic or public‑health reference centers: US $80–$180, often lower because of research funding, but may require proof of affiliation.
Specialized arthropod‑testing facilities: US $200–$350, higher due to expertise in multiple pathogen panels.
Additional fees: sample shipping (US $10–$25), hazardous‑material surcharge (US $5–$15), and optional expedited processing (US $30–$60).

Turnaround time (TAT)

Standard processing: 5–7 business days from receipt of the sample.
Expedited service: 2–3 business days, available for an extra charge.
Holiday or high‑volume periods: up to 10 business days, depending on lab workload.
Remote collection sites: shipping adds 1–2 days before the lab can begin analysis.

Balancing expense against speed requires aligning the urgency of the diagnostic question with the budget available. Lower‑cost options typically involve longer TAT, while higher fees secure faster reporting. Selecting the appropriate provider therefore depends on the specific needs of the investigation.

Types of Tests Available

Laboratories that receive tick specimens offer a range of analytical methods designed to identify pathogens, determine species, and assess genetic characteristics. Selecting the appropriate test depends on the diagnostic goal, the tick’s origin, and the suspected exposure risk.

Pathogen detection assays – include polymerase chain reaction (PCR) panels for bacterial agents such as Borrelia spp., Anaplasma spp., and Ehrlichia spp.; viral screens for Powassan virus and tick-borne encephalitis virus; and multiplex PCR or next‑generation sequencing (NGS) for broader pathogen discovery.
Species and life‑stage identification – rely on morphological keys supported by DNA barcoding of mitochondrial COI genes, providing precise taxonomic classification essential for epidemiological mapping.
Genomic sequencing – whole‑genome or targeted sequencing of tick DNA reveals gene variants linked to vector competence, host‑preference markers, and potential resistance to acaricides.
Antimicrobial resistance testing – culture‑based susceptibility assays or PCR detection of resistance genes (e.g., tet or bla families) evaluate the tick‑borne bacteria’s drug‑resistance profile.
Serological profiling – ELISA or immunofluorescence assays detect antibodies in the tick’s gut or salivary glands, indicating prior exposure to specific pathogens.

Each assay requires a properly preserved specimen, typically stored in 70 % ethanol or frozen at –80 °C, and a completed submission form detailing collection data. Laboratories provide guidance on packaging, shipping conditions, and turnaround times, ensuring that the selected tests yield reliable, actionable results.

Academic and University Laboratories

Research-Oriented Services

Sending a tick for scientific examination requires access to facilities that specialize in vector‑borne disease research and have established protocols for specimen preservation, molecular diagnostics, and data management. Research‑oriented services provide the expertise needed to generate reliable results for epidemiological studies, pathogen discovery, and resistance monitoring.

Key providers include:

University or institutional laboratories with entomology and disease ecology programs; they typically operate under biosafety‑approved conditions and offer collaborative agreements for data sharing.
Federal or state public health agencies (e.g., CDC, local health departments); these entities maintain accredited reference labs, ensure compliance with regulatory standards, and can integrate findings into surveillance networks.
Commercial diagnostic companies that specialize in arthropod testing; they deliver rapid turnaround, standardized reporting formats, and optional bioinformatics support for large‑scale projects.
Non‑profit research consortia that pool resources across multiple institutions; they often provide subsidized services for academic investigators and support open‑access data repositories.

When selecting a service, evaluate:

Accreditation status (e.g., CLIA, ISO 15189) to confirm analytical quality.
Specimen handling requirements—temperature control, preservation media, and time limits for shipment.
Scope of analyses offered, such as PCR for bacterial and viral agents, next‑generation sequencing, or serological testing.
Data confidentiality policies and provisions for co‑authorship or acknowledgment in publications.
Cost structure and availability of bulk‑sample discounts for longitudinal studies.

Shipping logistics follow standard biological material regulations: package the tick in a leak‑proof container with appropriate preservative, place it within a secondary sealed bag, and seal the outer packaging with labeling that indicates “non‑infectious specimen” or “biohazard” as required. Use an overnight courier service with tracking to minimize transit time.

By aligning the research objective with a qualified provider, investigators ensure methodological rigor, traceability of results, and contribution to the broader understanding of tick‑borne disease dynamics.

Public Access Programs

Public access programs provide individuals and health agencies with a standardized route to submit tick specimens for diagnostic testing, pathogen identification, and surveillance data collection. These initiatives are typically administered by state health departments, university laboratories, and nonprofit research centers that accept samples without requiring formal research proposals.

Common entry points for specimen submission include:

State public health laboratories that host tick‑testing portals.
University entomology or vector‑biology departments offering community testing services.
Non‑profit organizations such as the Tick‑Testing Network that coordinate nationwide sample intake.

Submission guidelines generally require the following: intact or frozen tick, collection date, geographic coordinates or address, host species, and a completed request form. Specimens must be placed in a sealed container with appropriate labeling; most programs accept postal delivery, courier service, or drop‑off at designated collection points.

Fees range from free for state‑funded programs to modest charges (typically $10–$30 per tick) for nonprofit or university services. Turnaround time varies; many public labs report results within two to four weeks, while larger surveillance networks may take longer due to batch processing.

When choosing a program, verify accreditation status, data‑privacy policies, and the list of pathogens screened (commonly Borrelia, Anaplasma, Ehrlichia, and Powassan virus). Selecting a reputable public access service ensures reliable identification, contributes to regional disease monitoring, and supports public health response efforts.

Veterinarian Clinics and Pet Hospitals

Services for Pet Owners

Pet owners who discover a tick on their animal often require laboratory testing to identify potential pathogens and guide treatment decisions. Several professional services accept tick specimens for analysis, each offering distinct advantages.

Veterinary clinics with in‑house diagnostic labs; specimens are processed locally, results typically available within 48 hours.
Regional veterinary diagnostic laboratories; larger facilities handle high volumes, provide comprehensive pathogen panels, and accept samples by courier or mail.
University or government research laboratories; specialized testing for emerging tick‑borne agents, usually available to veterinarians who submit requests on behalf of owners.
Commercial reference laboratories; nationwide networks offering standardized testing kits, prepaid shipping labels, and online result portals.
State or county health departments; public‑health labs accept ticks for surveillance purposes and may return findings to the submitting veterinarian.

When sending a tick, follow these steps: place the specimen in a sealed, puncture‑proof container; add a moist cotton swab to preserve viability; label with animal ID, collection date, and location; complete the laboratory’s submission form; and use the provided prepaid envelope or arrange a courier pickup. Retain a copy of the tracking number for reference.

Key factors influencing service selection include accreditation status, test panel breadth, turnaround time, and cost per sample. Accredited labs adhering to ISO 15189 or CLIA standards guarantee reliable results, while broader panels detect a wider range of bacterial, viral, and protozoan agents. Faster turnaround may be critical for acute cases, whereas comprehensive testing is valuable for preventive health monitoring. Choosing a reputable service ensures accurate diagnosis and appropriate management of tick‑borne risks in pets.

Referral Options

When a tick needs laboratory examination, the choice of referral service determines turnaround time, diagnostic scope, and cost. Public health laboratories accept specimens for pathogen detection and species identification, often at no charge for residents of the jurisdiction. Veterinary diagnostic centers specialize in tick-borne disease panels for companion animals and may provide detailed reports on co‑infection risk. Academic research facilities offer advanced molecular testing, such as next‑generation sequencing, but typically require a formal request and may impose fees. Commercial reference laboratories provide standardized PCR and serology panels, with online ordering and mail‑in kits for convenient submission. Mail‑order services allow clinicians and researchers to ship ticks directly to a designated laboratory using pre‑paid packaging, ensuring biosafety compliance.

Referral options include:

State or regional public health labs
Veterinary diagnostic laboratories
University or research institute laboratories
Commercial reference laboratories with online portals
Certified mail‑in testing services

Selection should be based on the required test panel, specimen volume, regulatory requirements, and budget constraints. Each provider publishes submission guidelines that specify packaging, labeling, and allowable preservatives to preserve DNA integrity and prevent degradation during transport. Compliance with these guidelines maximizes diagnostic accuracy and expedites result delivery.

Preparing a Tick for Submission

Safe Tick Removal Practices

Tools and Techniques

Selecting an appropriate laboratory requires verification of accreditation, availability of tick‑borne pathogen panels, and clear turnaround times. Contact the lab before shipment to confirm specimen acceptance criteria and to obtain a submission form.

Collecting the tick involves sterile, single‑use tweezers and nitrile gloves to avoid contamination. Place the specimen in a 1.5‑ml microcentrifuge tube containing 70 % ethanol or RNAlater, depending on the diagnostic method requested. Ensure the tube is sealed tightly and labeled with collection date, location, host species, and unique identifier.

Packaging for transport follows these steps:

Insert the sealed tube into a secondary container (e.g., a sealable plastic bag) with absorbent material.
Place the secondary container in a rigid shipping box padded with bubble wrap.
Include a completed requisition form, a copy of the consent or collection permit, and a cold‑chain indicator if required.
Affix the appropriate hazardous material label (Category 6) and address the box to the laboratory’s receiving department.

Shipping methods vary by distance and urgency. Use overnight courier services that provide tracking and temperature monitoring. For domestic shipments, standard postal services may be acceptable if the lab permits non‑temperature‑controlled parcels; otherwise, a refrigerated courier is mandatory.

Upon arrival, the laboratory will process the tick using one or more of the following techniques:

DNA extraction followed by quantitative PCR for Borrelia, Anaplasma, Ehrlichia, and other agents.
Reverse transcription PCR for RNA viruses.
Next‑generation sequencing for comprehensive pathogen profiling.
Morphological identification using microscopy when molecular results are inconclusive.

Accurate documentation, proper preservation, and compliant packaging together ensure reliable laboratory analysis of tick specimens.

Post-Removal Care

After removing a tick, handle the specimen promptly to preserve DNA and pathogen integrity. Place the tick in a sterile container—preferably a small, sealable plastic tube or a zip‑lock bag—without crushing it. Add a few drops of 70 % ethanol if the receiving laboratory requires preservation; otherwise, keep the tick dry as instructed by the lab’s guidelines.

When preparing the sample for shipment, follow these steps:

Label the container with the date of removal, body site, and host species.
Include a completed requisition form that lists suspected pathogens and the purpose of testing.
Secure the container inside a secondary, leak‑proof bag to prevent spillage.
Use a padded envelope or small box, and affix appropriate biohazard or “specimen” stickers if mandated by local regulations.
Choose a courier that offers overnight or two‑day delivery to maintain sample viability; retain the tracking number for reference.

Contact a veterinary or public‑health laboratory in advance to confirm acceptance criteria, required preservatives, and any temperature restrictions. Some regional health departments, university research facilities, and commercial diagnostic companies provide submission portals and will advise on the most reliable shipping method. Verify that the chosen service complies with hazardous‑material transport regulations for biological specimens.

Proper Storage and Packaging

Recommended Containers

For successful laboratory examination of a tick, the container must protect the specimen from damage, contamination, and desiccation while allowing safe transport.

A rigid, seal‑tight vessel is preferred. Polypropylene tubes with screw caps, 15‑ml conical centrifuge tubes, and small, airtight plastic jars meet these criteria. Each container should be sterilized, either by autoclaving or by purchasing pre‑sterilized units, and must close securely to prevent leakage.

When a preservative is required, place the tick in the container with an appropriate medium:

70 % ethanol, sufficient to submerge the specimen; ethanol‑resistant containers (e.g., sealed glass vials) are essential.
RNAlater or other nucleic‑acid stabilizers, used in tubes that can accommodate the liquid volume without overflow.
Dry ice or a frozen gel pack, for specimens that must remain frozen; insulated containers with a tight seal are mandatory.

Labeling must be clear and permanent. Include collection date, geographic location, collector’s name, and any relevant identification code. Use waterproof, fade‑resistant labels or directly etched markings on the container surface.

Temperature control during transit is critical. For ethanol‑preserved ticks, ambient temperature is acceptable, but for frozen specimens, maintain a temperature of –20 °C or lower. Use insulated shipping boxes with sufficient coolant to sustain the required temperature for the expected duration of transport.

Finally, verify that the chosen container complies with the receiving laboratory’s shipping regulations, including any restrictions on hazardous materials such as ethanol. Adhering to these specifications ensures specimen integrity and reliable diagnostic results.

Labeling Requirements

When submitting a tick specimen for laboratory testing, precise labeling is essential for accurate identification and reliable results. Each sample must carry a label that includes the following information:

Collection date (day, month, year) in ISO format.
Exact geographic coordinates or a detailed locality description.
Host species and, if known, the host’s identification number.
Tick life stage (larva, nymph, adult) and sex for adults.
Collector’s full name and institutional affiliation.
Unique sample identifier that matches the laboratory’s tracking system.
Preservation method (e.g., ethanol concentration, freezing temperature) and any additives used.

The label should be affixed to the primary container and duplicated on a secondary label placed inside the specimen bag. All text must be legible, printed or typed in a standard font, and resistant to moisture. Include a biohazard symbol if the sample is not inactivated, and attach a safety data sheet for any chemicals used in preservation.

Regulatory compliance demands that the label also contain the sender’s contact details, a brief statement of the intended analysis (e.g., pathogen screening, species confirmation), and any relevant accession numbers required by the receiving laboratory. Failure to provide complete labeling may result in sample rejection, delayed processing, or inaccurate reporting.

Information to Include with the Tick

Patient Demographics

Accurate patient demographics are essential when selecting a laboratory for tick analysis. Age, geographic residence, and insurance coverage directly affect the availability of specialized testing services and the turnaround time for results.

Key demographic elements include:

Age group (infant, child, adult, senior)
Residential address or zip code
Primary health‑care provider or referral source
Insurance carrier and plan tier
Travel history relevant to tick exposure

These data enable laboratories to verify that they are accredited for the specific tick species prevalent in the patient’s region, to confirm coverage eligibility, and to apply appropriate reference ranges for serologic or molecular assays. Laboratories serving rural areas may offer expedited shipping options, while urban reference centers might provide broader panels for co‑infection screening.

When submitting a tick specimen, the accompanying demographic record must be complete and formatted according to the receiving lab’s protocol. Incomplete or inaccurate information can delay processing, trigger additional requests for clarification, or result in the specimen being rejected. Therefore, clinicians should verify the patient’s details against the lab’s submission guidelines before dispatch.

Tick Encounter Details

When a tick is found, providing precise information is essential for accurate laboratory evaluation and reliable results.

Key details to record:

Date of encounter (day, month, year).
Exact location of bite or tick removal; include address, landmark, or GPS coordinates.
Habitat type (forest, grassland, urban park, residential garden).
Host species (human, dog, cat, livestock, wildlife).
Attachment site on the host’s body.
Tick developmental stage (larva, nymph, adult) and, if identifiable, species or genus.
Estimated duration of attachment (hours or days).
Any clinical signs observed (fever, rash, joint pain, neurological symptoms).
Preservation method used (dry, refrigerated, ethanol concentration, frozen).

Choosing a laboratory:

State or provincial public health laboratories that offer tick‑borne pathogen testing.
University or research institution diagnostic centers with expertise in arthropod analysis.
Commercial veterinary diagnostic companies that process tick samples for zoonotic agents.

Before shipping, verify the laboratory’s specimen requirements, packaging instructions, and turnaround time. Include a completed request form that references the recorded encounter details to ensure the laboratory can interpret the sample correctly.

Interpreting Test Results

Understanding Positive and Negative Outcomes

Implications for Health

Sending a tick to a qualified reference laboratory enables precise identification of pathogenic agents, which directly influences clinical decision‑making. Laboratory confirmation of Borrelia, Anaplasma, Babesia, or other tick‑borne microorganisms guides targeted antimicrobial therapy, reduces unnecessary prescriptions, and shortens disease duration.

Accurate test results also inform patient counseling. Individuals receive evidence‑based advice on symptom monitoring, prophylactic measures, and follow‑up testing when required. This reduces anxiety caused by uncertainty and supports adherence to recommended preventive actions.

From a public health perspective, aggregated data from tick analyses contribute to surveillance programs. Mapping of pathogen prevalence assists health authorities in allocating resources, issuing advisories, and evaluating the effectiveness of control strategies such as habitat management or vaccination campaigns.

Key health benefits of laboratory tick analysis:

Early detection of infection risk, enabling prompt treatment.
Reduction of diagnostic errors through objective pathogen identification.
Enhanced patient education based on confirmed exposure.
Contribution to epidemiological databases for regional risk assessment.

Choosing a certified diagnostic facility ensures methodological consistency, quality control, and reliable reporting, which are essential for both individual patient outcomes and broader community health initiatives.

Next Steps After Results

After the laboratory returns the analysis of the submitted tick specimen, proceed with the following actions:

Review the report for pathogen identification, concentration levels, and any noted antimicrobial resistance. Focus on the specific organisms detected rather than general statements.
Contact the prescribing clinician or a qualified infectious‑disease specialist promptly. Provide the full report and ask for an interpretation aligned with the patient’s clinical presentation.
If pathogenic bacteria, viruses, or parasites are confirmed, initiate the recommended therapeutic regimen without delay. Verify dosage, duration, and any required monitoring parameters.
Document the findings in the patient’s medical record, including the accession number, collection date, and laboratory contact information. Ensure the record is accessible for future reference and potential audit.
Report confirmed tick‑borne infections to the appropriate public‑health authority according to local regulations. Include case details, geographic location of tick acquisition, and laboratory identifiers.
Arrange follow‑up testing if the treatment protocol calls for it, such as post‑therapy PCR, serology, or culture, to confirm clearance of the pathogen.
Advise the patient on preventive measures: proper tick removal techniques, use of repellents, regular body checks after outdoor exposure, and environmental management to reduce tick habitats.

Each step should be executed in a timely manner to minimize disease progression, support accurate epidemiological tracking, and reinforce preventive strategies.

Consulting with Healthcare Professionals

Physician Recommendations

Physicians advise patients to follow a defined protocol when a tick is removed and requires laboratory testing. First, confirm that the tick is intact; fragmented specimens may compromise results. Second, place the entire tick in a sterile container—preferably a screw‑cap tube or a sealable plastic bag—without preservatives. Third, label the container with the date of removal, anatomical site of attachment, and the patient’s identification number. Fourth, transport the specimen promptly, ideally within 24 hours, to a laboratory equipped for arthropod analysis.

Recommended facilities include:

Public health department laboratories that offer routine tick identification and pathogen screening.
University or veterinary school laboratories with specialized molecular testing capabilities.
Commercial diagnostic companies accredited by the College of American Pathologists for tick‑borne disease panels.

Physicians also suggest providing a brief clinical history, noting recent travel, outdoor activities, and any emerging symptoms such as fever, rash, or joint pain. This context assists the laboratory in selecting appropriate assays, including PCR for Borrelia, Anaplasma, Ehrlichia, and Rickettsia species, as well as serologic testing when indicated.

Finally, patients should retain the original specimen and documentation until the laboratory reports are received, as follow‑up testing may be required based on initial findings.

Follow-Up Care

Submitting a tick to a diagnostic laboratory initiates a series of actions that extend beyond the analysis itself. Follow‑up care ensures that the information obtained from the test translates into appropriate clinical decisions and prevents disease progression.

After the specimen reaches the laboratory, the following steps should be completed:

Record the submission date, laboratory contact details, and the unique tracking number. Store this information in a patient file or personal health record.
Monitor the bite site and overall health for at least 30 days. Note any rash, fever, headache, fatigue, or joint pain, and record the onset date and severity.
Contact the laboratory within the expected turnaround time to confirm receipt and request the anticipated reporting date. Request clarification on any abbreviations used in the result.
Upon receiving the report, compare the identified pathogen (if any) with the observed symptoms. If the test is negative but symptoms develop, consider repeat testing or alternative diagnoses.
Schedule an appointment with a healthcare professional to discuss the findings. Provide the lab report, symptom log, and any relevant medical history.
If a pathogen is detected, follow the prescribed antimicrobial regimen precisely. Document the start date, dosage, and any adverse reactions.
Advise the patient or caretaker on preventive measures: use tick repellents, perform regular body checks after outdoor activities, and maintain proper landscaping to reduce tick habitats.

Consistent documentation, timely communication with the laboratory, and vigilant symptom tracking together constitute effective follow‑up care after a tick specimen has been sent for analysis. This approach minimizes the risk of delayed treatment and supports optimal health outcomes.