How can a tick be kept alive for analysis? - briefly
Keep ticks in a sealed chamber at 22‑27 °C with 80‑90 % relative humidity, providing a continuous blood source via a membrane feeder or live host. Refresh the meal every few days and monitor conditions to prevent desiccation.
How can a tick be kept alive for analysis? - in detail
Collecting a tick requires immediate placement in a breathable container such as a ventilated plastic vial or a small mesh cage. The container should hold a moist substrate—wet cotton, plaster of Paris, or damp paper towel—to maintain relative humidity between 80 % and 95 %. Excess water must be avoided; saturation leads to drowning, while dryness causes desiccation.
Temperature control is critical. Store the specimen at 22 °C ± 2 °C, the range preferred by most ixodid species. For longer periods, a refrigerated environment (4–8 °C) can be used, but only after the tick has acclimated to ambient conditions for at least 12 hours to prevent shock.
Feeding sustains metabolism and prolongs survival. Provide a host animal (e.g., laboratory rabbit, hamster, or artificial membrane system) that matches the tick’s natural blood source. If a live host is unavailable, use an artificial feeding apparatus with warmed (37 °C) blood supplemented with ATP and heparin to prevent clotting. Monitor attachment, allow 3–5 days of engorgement, then remove the tick and return it to the humid chamber.
Transport between facilities demands stable conditions. Place the tick in a sealed, humidity‑controlled transport tube with a small piece of moist substrate. Include a temperature‑stable gel pack if ambient temperatures exceed 30 °C or fall below 10 °C. Label the tube with collection date, species, and life stage.
For laboratory analysis, keep the tick in a low‑light environment to reduce stress. Replace the substrate daily to prevent mold growth. Record mortality rates, noting any deviations in humidity or temperature that may affect viability. When the specimen is ready for examination, anesthetize briefly with CO₂ or cold exposure, then proceed with morphological or molecular assays.
Key points for maintaining live ticks:
- Use a breathable container with a moist, non‑saturating substrate.
- Maintain 80–95 % relative humidity and 22 °C ± 2 °C.
- Provide a suitable host or artificial feeding system for metabolic support.
- Ensure stable temperature and humidity during transport.
- Replace substrate regularly and monitor for signs of stress or mortality.
Following these protocols maximizes the likelihood that the tick remains viable for detailed scientific investigation.