How and where to send a tick for analysis? - briefly
«Ticks should be dispatched to an accredited entomological or public‑health laboratory, such as the regional health department’s vector‑borne disease unit or a university veterinary diagnostic center. Follow the institution’s mailing instructions, typically using sealed containers with ethanol preservation and a completed submission form.»
How and where to send a tick for analysis? - in detail
When a tick is collected for laboratory examination, proper handling and documentation are essential for reliable results. The specimen should be placed in a sealed, breathable container such as a small paper envelope or a ventilated plastic vial. Excess moisture must be avoided; a dry environment preserves the tick’s morphology and DNA integrity.
The following steps ensure safe transport:
- Identify the tick to the lowest possible taxonomic level (species, life stage) using a hand lens or microscope. Record the host, date, and geographic location of collection.
- Label the container with the recorded data, using a waterproof marker. Include a unique identifier that matches the accompanying paperwork.
- Place the container in a padded mailer or insulated box. If the target laboratory requires refrigeration, insert a cold pack that does not freeze the specimen.
- Complete the laboratory’s submission form, providing details on the collection circumstances and the purpose of analysis (e.g., pathogen screening, morphological study).
- Ship the package via a reliable courier that offers tracking. Prefer services that guarantee delivery within 48 hours to minimize degradation.
Several institutions accept tick submissions for diagnostic testing:
- National public health laboratories that operate vector‑borne disease programs.
- University entomology departments with specialized acarology facilities.
- Commercial diagnostic companies offering PCR‑based pathogen detection.
Before dispatch, verify the recipient’s specific requirements. Some laboratories request live ticks for culture, while others accept only preserved specimens. Compliance with local and international regulations governing the transport of arthropods is mandatory; obtain any necessary permits or phytosanitary certificates.
Upon receipt, the laboratory typically conducts:
- Morphological identification using taxonomic keys.
- Molecular screening for bacterial, viral, and protozoan agents.
- Antibiotic susceptibility testing if bacterial isolates are recovered.
Results are communicated through a formal report, often including a brief interpretation of pathogen prevalence and recommendations for public health actions. Maintaining accurate records of each submission facilitates longitudinal studies and contributes to broader surveillance efforts.