After how long should a tick be submitted for testing? - briefly
Submit a removed tick for analysis as promptly as possible, ideally within 24 hours. Do not exceed 48 hours after removal to maintain reliable test results.
After how long should a tick be submitted for testing? - in detail
The interval between removal of a tick and its delivery to a diagnostic laboratory is critical for accurate identification and pathogen detection. Current guidance from public‑health agencies and reference laboratories emphasizes the following points:
- Submit the specimen as soon as possible after detachment; the optimal window is within 24 hours.
- If immediate shipment is not feasible, preserve the tick in a sealed container with a moist cotton pad to prevent desiccation, and keep it refrigerated (2‑8 °C).
- Do not freeze the arthropod, because ice crystals can damage both morphological features and nucleic acids.
- Transport the sample in a insulated package with a cold pack if the ambient temperature exceeds 20 °C, ensuring the temperature remains above freezing.
- Include a brief history: date of bite, location on the body, geographic region where the tick was found, and any symptoms experienced. This information aids the laboratory in selecting appropriate assays.
Laboratories typically accept ticks for testing up to 48 hours after removal when stored under the conditions described above. Beyond this period, the probability of successful pathogen detection declines sharply due to DNA degradation and loss of morphological integrity. Therefore, prompt submission, proper short‑term preservation, and detailed accompanying data maximize the reliability of test results.