How can I submit a tick sample from the face for analysis? - briefly
Place the tick removed from the face into a sterile, sealable container with a moist cotton pad, label it with the host’s information, and ship it to a qualified veterinary diagnostic laboratory. Include the lab’s required submission form and keep the specimen refrigerated (≈4 °C) until dispatch.
How can I submit a tick sample from the face for analysis? - in detail
Submitting a facial tick specimen for laboratory examination requires careful handling to preserve the organism and prevent contamination. Follow these steps:
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Initial removal – Use fine‑point tweezers to grasp the tick as close to the skin as possible. Pull upward with steady, even pressure; avoid twisting or crushing the body. After removal, place the tick in a clean, dry container such as a small screw‑cap tube or a labelled plastic vial.
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Preservation – If immediate analysis is not possible, store the specimen at 4 °C (refrigerator) for up to 48 hours. For longer periods, submerge the tick in 70 % ethanol, ensuring the container is sealed tightly to prevent leakage.
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Documentation – Record the following details on a separate sheet of paper or in the accompanying electronic form: • Date of removal
• Exact anatomical location on the face (e.g., left cheek, upper lip)
• Patient’s age, sex, and recent travel history
• Any symptoms observed (rash, itching, fever) -
Labeling – Affix a waterproof label to the container with a unique identifier that matches the documentation. Include the specimen type (tick), source (facial region), and preservation method.
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Contacting the laboratory – Identify an accredited entomology or infectious‑disease laboratory that offers tick analysis. Verify required forms, consent documentation, and any specific shipping instructions. Many labs provide a pre‑filled submission kit that includes the container, label, and paperwork.
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Packaging for transport – Place the sealed container inside a secondary, rigid box. Add absorbent material to cushion the specimen. Seal the outer box with tamper‑evident tape. Attach the completed documentation on the outside of the box, clearly visible to the courier.
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Shipping – Use a reputable courier service that complies with biological specimen regulations. Choose a delivery option that ensures the package reaches the laboratory within the recommended time frame (typically 24–48 hours for refrigerated specimens, up to 72 hours for ethanol‑preserved samples).
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Follow‑up – After receipt confirmation, retain a copy of the laboratory’s accession number. Request a written report detailing species identification, pathogen testing results, and any recommended clinical actions.
Adhering to these procedures maximizes the likelihood of accurate identification and reliable pathogen detection, facilitating appropriate medical response.