How do you submit a test after a tick bite? - briefly
Collect the tick or a specimen from the bite site, place it in a sealed, properly labeled container, and ship it to a certified laboratory according to the lab’s packaging and mailing guidelines. Contact your healthcare provider beforehand to obtain the lab’s address, required paperwork, and any specific shipping instructions.
How do you submit a test after a tick bite? - in detail
When a tick attaches and removal is complete, the specimen must be prepared for laboratory evaluation promptly. Follow these steps:
- Preserve the tick – Place the intact insect in a sealed container (plastic vial or zip‑lock bag). Add a small amount of 70 % isopropyl alcohol if the specimen will be stored for more than 24 hours; otherwise keep it dry at room temperature.
- Label accurately – Record the date of bite, exact location on the body, geographic region, and any observable symptoms. Attach this information to the container or include it on a separate data sheet.
- Complete the requisition form – Use the laboratory’s official form, entering patient identifiers, clinician details, and the clinical question (e.g., testing for Borrelia burgdorferi or other tick‑borne pathogens). Sign and date the document.
- Package for transport – Ensure the container is sealed, then place it inside a secondary, leak‑proof bag. Include the completed requisition and a copy of the patient’s consent if required.
- Choose a delivery method – Deliver the package to the designated testing facility by one of the following:
- Confirm receipt – Contact the laboratory after dispatch to verify that the sample arrived and is logged. Obtain a reference number for future correspondence.
- Maintain documentation – Keep copies of the requisition, shipping label, and receipt acknowledgment in the patient’s medical record.
Adhering to this protocol minimizes degradation of the tick, preserves DNA integrity, and ensures reliable diagnostic results.