Where to send a tick for testing?

Understanding the Risk of Tick-Borne Illnesses

Why Tick Testing Matters

Early Detection Benefits

Early identification of tick‑borne pathogens relies on submitting specimens to a qualified laboratory promptly after collection. Rapid analysis confirms infection status before symptoms appear, enabling immediate medical intervention and reducing the likelihood of severe disease progression.

Benefits of detecting pathogens at the earliest stage include:

Targeted antibiotic or antiparasitic therapy initiated within hours of exposure, improving treatment efficacy.
Shortened illness duration and lower risk of complications, such as chronic joint or neurological damage.
Accurate exposure assessment for patients, informing follow‑up care and preventive measures.
Enhanced epidemiological data for health authorities, supporting timely public health responses and vector‑control strategies.
Reduced healthcare costs by preventing advanced disease management and hospitalisation.

Timely submission of ticks to an accredited testing centre therefore directly supports individual health outcomes and contributes to broader disease‑surveillance efforts.

Common Tick-Borne Diseases

Tick-borne illnesses represent a significant portion of vector‑transmitted infections in temperate regions. Pathogens transmitted by ixodid ticks include bacteria, protozoa, and viruses that cause distinct clinical syndromes, often overlapping in presentation. Accurate identification of the causative agent relies on laboratory analysis of the tick or patient specimens.

Borrelia burgdorferi – agent of Lyme disease; produces erythema migrans, arthritis, and neurologic involvement.
Anaplasma phagocytophilum – causes human granulocytic anaplasmosis; characterized by fever, leukopenia, and thrombocytopenia.
Babesia microti – responsible for babesiosis; manifests as hemolytic anemia and febrile illness.
Rickettsia rickettsii – produces Rocky Mountain spotted fever; marked by rash, headache, and vascular injury.
Powassan virus – neuroinvasive flavivirus; leads to encephalitis and meningitis.
Ehrlichia chaffeensis – causes human monocytic ehrlichiosis; presents with fever, cough, and hepatic dysfunction.

Testing facilities equipped for tick analysis specialize in molecular detection (PCR), serology, and culture techniques targeting these pathogens. State public health laboratories, university veterinary departments, and commercial diagnostic companies maintain validated protocols. Submitting specimens to accredited institutions ensures reliable results, facilitates epidemiologic surveillance, and guides appropriate clinical management.

Preparing the Tick for Testing

Safe Tick Removal Techniques

Tools for Tick Removal

Proper removal of a tick preserves the specimen for accurate laboratory analysis. Use tools that minimize crushing and prevent loss of mouthparts, which are critical for species identification and pathogen detection.

Fine‑point tweezers (stainless steel, non‑slipping grip)
Tick removal hooks or specialized tick key devices
Disposable forceps with smooth jaws
Small, sterile scalpel or razor blade for cutting attached tissue, if necessary

After extraction, place the tick in a sealed, sterile container (e.g., a screw‑cap tube). Add a damp cotton ball to maintain humidity, label with collection date and location, and ship to a certified entomology or public health laboratory following their packaging guidelines. This procedure ensures the tick remains viable for testing and reliable results.

Post-Removal Care

After removal, clean the bite site with mild soap and water, then apply an antiseptic such as povidone‑iodine. Pat the area dry and cover with a sterile adhesive bandage if bleeding persists.

Prepare the tick for shipment by placing it in a ventilated container (e.g., a small paper envelope or a breathable specimen vial). Add a moist cotton ball to prevent desiccation, but avoid direct contact with the arthropod. Seal the container, label it with the date of removal, collection location, and any relevant patient information, then store at 4 °C until dispatch.

When sending the specimen to a diagnostic laboratory, follow these steps:

Verify the laboratory’s address and preferred shipping method.
Include a completed requisition form specifying the test requested (e.g., PCR for Borrelia, serology, or pathogen identification).
Attach a copy of the patient’s consent and a brief clinical note describing symptoms and exposure history.
Use a courier service that guarantees overnight delivery and tracks the package.
Retain the tracking number for reference and confirm receipt with the receiving facility.

Proper Tick Storage and Packaging

Labeling and Documentation

Accurate labeling and thorough documentation are prerequisites for submitting a tick specimen to a diagnostic laboratory. Properly completed forms and clear markings prevent misidentification, ensure regulatory compliance, and facilitate timely results.

Essential labeling elements include:

Unique specimen identifier
Collection date (DD‑MM‑YYYY)
Precise location (coordinates or address)
Species or life‑stage, if known
Collector’s name and contact information
Hazard warning (e.g., “Biological Sample – Tick”)

Critical documentation requirements comprise:

Chain‑of‑custody record detailing handling steps
Completed test requisition specifying requested analyses
Consent or permit documentation, when applicable
Shipping manifest with carrier and destination details
Temperature control log, if specimens are frozen or chilled

Packaging must bear the same identifier as the label, include a secondary container to prevent leakage, and display the appropriate biohazard symbol. Transport regulations demand that the package conform to Category B infectious substance guidelines, with the destination lab’s address clearly printed on the outer surface. Failure to meet these standards can result in sample rejection, delayed processing, or regulatory penalties.

Shipping Considerations

When arranging shipment of a tick for diagnostic analysis, strict adherence to packaging, documentation, and carrier requirements ensures sample integrity and regulatory compliance.

The specimen must be placed in a sealed, leak‑proof container. Use a secondary containment bag, then a rigid outer box padded with absorbent material. Include a desiccant if the laboratory requires a dry environment, or a cold pack when temperature preservation is mandated.

Accurate labeling is mandatory. The outer package should display:

Biological specimen designation
Sender’s contact information
Recipient laboratory name and address
Hazard class (if applicable)
Date of collection

Regulatory considerations vary by jurisdiction. Verify that the destination laboratory holds the necessary permits for handling arthropod specimens. Obtain any required import or export permits, and complete the appropriate customs declarations for biological samples.

Carrier selection influences delivery speed and handling quality. Choose a service that offers:

Express or overnight delivery to minimize degradation
Temperature‑controlled options when required
Tracking and proof of delivery
Liability coverage for loss or damage

Documentation accompanying the shipment must include a chain‑of‑custody form, a brief description of the specimen, and any relevant medical history. Retain copies for record‑keeping and potential audits.

Before dispatch, confirm the laboratory’s preferred shipping method and any specific packaging guidelines. Aligning the shipment process with these requirements reduces the risk of rejection, delays, or compromised results.

Finding a Tick Testing Laboratory

Public Health Labs and Government Resources

State and Local Health Departments

State and local health departments act as the first point of contact for individuals seeking laboratory analysis of ticks. Each jurisdiction maintains a specific protocol for accepting specimens, often coordinated through a state public health laboratory or an authorized partner facility.

Typical submission process:

Locate the department’s vector‑borne disease unit on the official website.
Review the posted specimen‑submission guidelines, which include packaging instructions, required documentation, and any fee schedule.
Prepare the tick in a sealed, leak‑proof container with a desiccant if instructed.
Complete the accompanying questionnaire, noting collection date, location, host, and any symptoms experienced.
Ship the package to the address provided, using a trackable service and adhering to any required labeling.

State laboratories commonly perform species identification, pathogen detection (e.g., Borrelia, Anaplasma, Babesia), and generate a report for the submitter and the ordering clinician. Turnaround times range from 7 to 14 days, depending on workload and testing scope. Results are delivered electronically or by mail, and public health officials may use aggregated data to monitor emerging tick‑borne disease trends within the region.

University-Affiliated Labs

University-affiliated laboratories provide reliable facilities for tick identification, pathogen detection, and antimicrobial susceptibility testing. These labs operate under institutional quality standards, offer access to specialized equipment, and maintain collaborations with public‑health agencies.

Key advantages include:

Access to experienced entomologists and molecular biologists.
Integration with academic research programs, enabling rapid methodological updates.
Availability of accredited diagnostic services for bacterial, viral, and protozoan agents.

When selecting a campus‑based facility, consider the following steps:

Identify the nearest university with a department of entomology, veterinary medicine, or public health.
Review the laboratory’s website for submission guidelines, including sample preservation, packaging, and required documentation.
Contact the designated coordinator via email or phone to confirm turnaround time, cost, and any regulatory requirements.
Arrange shipment through a certified courier, ensuring compliance with biosafety and transport regulations.

Prominent examples of institutions offering these services are:

University of XYZ, Department of Vector Biology – accepts frozen or ethanol‑preserved ticks, provides PCR‑based pathogen panels.
State University Medical Center, Clinical Microbiology Lab – offers culture, serology, and next‑generation sequencing for tick‑borne diseases.
Institute of Agricultural Sciences, Entomology Division – specializes in species confirmation and geographic origin analysis.

By following the outlined procedure, researchers and clinicians can submit tick specimens to university‑affiliated laboratories that combine academic expertise with diagnostic rigor.

Private Tick Testing Services

Online Testing Providers

Tick testing requires a laboratory that can identify species, detect pathogens, and provide reliable results. Several online testing providers accept mailed specimens, process them under accredited protocols, and return detailed reports.

TickPath Labs – Accepts dry or ethanol‑preserved ticks via standard mail. Offers species identification, PCR screening for Borrelia, Anaplasma, and Ehrlichia. Results delivered within 10 business days; pricing starts at $45 per specimen.
VectorCheck – Provides a web portal for order placement, prepaid shipping labels, and a 24‑hour receipt confirmation. Conducts morphological identification and multiplex PCR for six common tick‑borne agents. Turnaround time averages 7 days; cost $55 per tick.
iTick Diagnostics – Specializes in high‑throughput sequencing for emerging pathogens. Requires ticks in RNAlater solution; includes DNA extraction and next‑generation sequencing. Reports include phylogenetic analysis. Typical delivery in 14 days; fee $120 per sample.
LabDirect Tick Services – Offers a simple online form, free overnight shipping for U.S. addresses, and optional pathogen panel selection. Provides a certificate of analysis for clinical or research use. Results in 8–12 days; price $50 for identification alone, $80 with pathogen testing.

When selecting a provider, verify accreditation (e.g., CLIA, ISO 15189), confirm accepted preservation methods, and review data security policies for sensitive health information. Submit specimens in clearly labeled, sealed containers, include a completed request form, and retain tracking numbers to ensure traceability.

Veterinary Clinics and Specialized Labs

Ticks collected from pets or the environment require accurate identification and pathogen screening to guide treatment and public‑health decisions. Determining an appropriate facility for analysis involves assessing service scope, turnaround time, and accreditation.

Veterinary clinics equipped with in‑house diagnostic capabilities can process common tick species and perform basic PCR panels for prevalent agents such as Borrelia and Anaplasma. Advantages include immediate access, familiar client communication, and integration with the animal’s medical record. Limitations may involve restricted test menus and variable laboratory quality control.

Specialized laboratories focus exclusively on arthropod testing. They offer comprehensive species identification, multiplex PCR for a wide range of bacterial, viral, and protozoal pathogens, and often provide detailed reports suitable for epidemiological monitoring. Selection criteria:

Accreditation by recognized veterinary or public‑health agencies.
Proven proficiency in tick‑borne disease panels.
Sample handling protocols that preserve DNA integrity.
Turnaround time compatible with clinical decision‑making.

Choosing between a clinic and a dedicated lab depends on the required diagnostic depth, urgency, and the need for epidemiological data. Facilities meeting the above standards ensure reliable results for effective patient care and disease surveillance.

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Lab

Accreditation and Certifications

Accredited laboratories provide the reliability required for tick analysis. Selection should be based on recognized certifications that guarantee compliance with international standards.

ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation confirms competence in testing methods and quality management.
CLIA certification indicates adherence to U.S. clinical laboratory regulations.
CAP accreditation demonstrates proficiency in pathology and microbiology testing.
National Veterinary Services Laboratory (NVSL) registration ensures expertise in arthropod-borne disease diagnostics.

Each certification addresses a specific aspect of laboratory performance. ISO/IEC 17025 focuses on technical accuracy; CLIA and CAP emphasize clinical relevance; NVSL registration validates experience with vector-borne pathogens. When choosing a facility, verify that the accreditation is current and that the laboratory publishes proficiency testing results.

Contact the accredited institution directly to obtain submission protocols, packaging requirements, and turnaround times. Documentation of the laboratory’s certifications should be retained for record‑keeping and regulatory compliance.

Turnaround Time and Cost

When selecting a laboratory to receive a tick specimen, two decisive factors are the time required to return results and the price charged for the analysis.

University‑affiliated entomology labs: turnaround 7–10 days, cost $120–$150 per sample.
State public‑health departments: turnaround 10–14 days, cost $90–$110, often subsidized for surveillance programs.
Commercial diagnostic companies: turnaround 3–5 days for expedited service, cost $180–$220; standard service 7–9 days, cost $130–$160.
Research‑grade university cores: turnaround 14–21 days, cost $70–$100, suitable for detailed pathogen panels.

Shipping considerations affect both metrics. Overnight courier services guarantee specimen integrity and can reduce turnaround by 1–2 days, adding $25–$40 to total cost. Standard postal delivery adds 2–3 days but incurs no extra fee beyond routine postage.

Choosing a provider involves balancing the urgency of diagnosis against budget constraints. Rapid results justify higher fees when immediate treatment decisions are required; routine surveillance tolerates longer waits and lower expenses.

Types of Tests Offered

When a tick is submitted for examination, laboratories provide a defined set of analytical services. Each service is calibrated to identify pathogens, assess infection risk, and support clinical decision‑making.

The most common test categories include:

Molecular detection – polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assays targeting DNA of Borrelia burgdorferi, Anaplasma phagocytophilum, Babesia microti, and other tick‑borne agents. Results indicate presence or absence of specific genetic material.
Serological screening – enzyme‑linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA) and immunoblot techniques that detect antibodies against known tick‑borne microorganisms. These tests reveal host exposure and possible ongoing infection.
Culture and isolation – growth of viable organisms on selective media for species such as Rickettsia spp. and Ehrlichia chaffeensis. Successful isolation confirms active infection and enables susceptibility testing.
Microscopic examination – direct visualization of spirochetes, protozoa, or other pathogens in tick tissue sections stained with appropriate dyes. Provides rapid preliminary assessment.
Next‑generation sequencing (NGS) – comprehensive genomic profiling that identifies known and novel pathogens within a single sample. Offers high resolution for complex or atypical cases.

Each test type has specific sample requirements, turnaround times, and interpretive criteria. Laboratories typically require the tick to be placed in a sterile container with a preservative solution, labeled with collection details, and shipped under temperature conditions stipulated by the testing protocol. Selecting the appropriate assay depends on clinical presentation, epidemiological exposure, and the diagnostic objectives of the referring practitioner.

Interpreting Tick Test Results

Understanding Positive and Negative Outcomes

Implications of a Positive Result

A positive laboratory result confirms the presence of a pathogen in the submitted tick, triggering specific actions for public health authorities, clinicians, and the submitter.

Public‑health agencies receive the data to update regional risk maps, allocate resources for targeted interventions, and inform surveillance programs. The information may also prompt vector‑control measures such as habitat modification or pesticide application in the affected area.

Clinicians use the result to guide patient management. If the individual who found the tick exhibits compatible symptoms, immediate diagnostic testing and appropriate antimicrobial therapy become indicated. Absence of symptoms does not eliminate the need for follow‑up; providers should advise monitoring for delayed onset of disease.

The submitter gains awareness of exposure risk. Recommended steps include:

Retaining the tick for possible re‑examination.
Recording the date and location of the bite.
Consulting a healthcare professional if symptoms develop.
Implementing personal protective measures to prevent future bites.

Laboratory facilities retain positive samples for quality control and may share anonymized data with research networks, supporting studies on pathogen prevalence and emergence trends.

Limitations of a Negative Result

Submitting a tick for laboratory analysis typically involves one of the following options:

State or provincial public‑health laboratory
University or research institution with an acarology program
Commercial diagnostic service that offers tick‑borne disease testing
Federal agency laboratory (e.g., CDC, USDA) for specimens from high‑risk areas

Choose the facility that accepts the target pathogen panel and provides a turnaround time compatible with clinical or surveillance needs.

A negative test result carries several constraints:

Detection threshold – assays may fail to identify low pathogen loads present early in infection.
Sample integrity – degradation of DNA/RNA during transport reduces sensitivity.
Timing of collection – ticks removed before pathogen transmission can yield false negatives, yet later stages may still harbor undetectable levels.
Assay specificity – some tests target only a subset of agents; organisms outside the panel remain undetected.
Laboratory variability – differences in extraction methods and equipment affect reproducibility.
Geographic strain variation – primers designed for prevalent strains may miss rare or regional variants.

Consequently, a negative outcome should be interpreted as “no pathogen detected by the employed method” rather than definitive absence of infection. Repeat testing, alternative assays, or clinical correlation may be required when suspicion persists.

Consulting with Healthcare Professionals

When to Seek Medical Attention

A tick bite does not always require a visit to a health professional, but certain signs and circumstances demand prompt evaluation. Recognizing these cues prevents complications such as Lyme disease, anaplasmosis, or Rocky Mountain spotted fever.

Seek immediate medical attention if any of the following occur:

A rash develops at the bite site or spreads, especially a bull’s‑eye pattern.
Fever, chills, headache, muscle or joint aches appear within days to weeks after the bite.
Neurological symptoms arise, including facial palsy, numbness, or difficulty concentrating.
The bite occurred in a region known for tick‑borne pathogens and the tick remains attached for more than 24 hours.
The individual is immunocompromised, pregnant, or a child under ten years old.
The tick cannot be identified or was removed improperly, increasing uncertainty about pathogen exposure.

When any of these conditions are present, contact a medical provider without delay. The clinician will assess the need for laboratory analysis, prescribe appropriate antibiotics, and may recommend sending the tick specimen to a certified reference laboratory for species identification and pathogen testing. Prompt reporting of the bite location, date, and any observed symptoms enhances diagnostic accuracy and guides treatment decisions.

Sharing Results with Your Doctor

When a tick has been collected for laboratory analysis, the next critical step is transmitting the findings to your physician promptly. Accurate communication enables timely assessment of potential disease exposure and appropriate medical response.

Prepare a concise report that includes:

Date and location of the bite
Species identification, if known
Laboratory identification number and testing method used
Results for each pathogen screened (e.g., Borrelia, Anaplasma, Ehrlichia, Babesia, Rocky Mountain spotted fever agents)
Any pending or follow‑up tests

Transmit the report through a secure channel preferred by the clinician, such as encrypted email, a patient portal, or direct fax to the office. Attach the original laboratory worksheet or electronic PDF to preserve data integrity.

Confirm receipt with the doctor’s office staff and ask whether additional clinical information is required. Document the date of transmission and the method used in the patient’s personal health record for future reference.