How do I submit a tick for analysis? - briefly
Log into the system, go to the Tick Submission page, attach the tick file, complete the required metadata fields, and press “Submit for analysis.” The submission will be queued and results will be emailed once processing finishes.
How do I submit a tick for analysis? - in detail
To submit a tick for laboratory examination, follow these precise actions.
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Collect the specimen safely. Use fine‑tipped tweezers to detach the tick, place it in a sealed, breathable container (e.g., a 1.5 ml microtube with a cotton plug), and label the container with the collection date, location, and host information.
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Preserve the sample. Store the tube at 4 °C if shipping within 24 hours; otherwise, freeze at –20 °C. Avoid preservatives that interfere with DNA extraction, such as ethanol above 70 % concentration.
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Complete the submission form. Access the online portal of the analysis service, register an account, and fill in required fields:
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Upload supporting documents. Attach high‑resolution photographs of the tick (dorsal and ventral views) and a PDF of the completed form. Ensure files meet the size and format specifications indicated on the portal.
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Ship the specimen. Print the generated shipping label, affix it to the container, and dispatch via an express courier that guarantees temperature control. Include a copy of the submission receipt inside the package.
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Confirm receipt. After the courier delivers the package, the laboratory will send an acknowledgment email. Track the sample using the reference number provided; any discrepancies must be reported immediately.
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Receive results. The service will email a report containing identification, pathogen detection outcomes, and any recommended follow‑up actions. Download the report from the secure portal and archive it according to institutional data‑management policies.
Adhering to each step guarantees that the tick is processed efficiently and that analytical results are reliable.