How is a test for a subcutaneous tick taken? - briefly
A fine‑gauge needle is inserted at the bite site to aspirate tissue and any embedded tick material, which is then placed in a sterile container for laboratory analysis. The sample undergoes microscopic examination or PCR testing to identify the tick species and detect any pathogen DNA.
How is a test for a subcutaneous tick taken? - in detail
A subcutaneous tick is obtained for diagnostic purposes by extracting the organism from the skin without causing undue trauma. The process follows a strict protocol to preserve specimen integrity and minimize infection risk.
First, the patient’s skin is examined to locate the tick. The area is cleaned with an antiseptic solution (e.g., povidone‑iodine) and allowed to dry. Protective gloves are worn throughout the procedure.
Next, a sterile fine‑point forceps or a specialized tick removal tool is positioned at the tick’s mouthparts. The instrument is grasped as close to the skin as possible, avoiding compression of the tick’s body. Steady, upward traction is applied until the tick detaches completely. If resistance is encountered, a small incision with a sterile scalpel may be made to free the mouthparts, but care is taken not to cut the tick.
The removed tick is placed immediately into a labeled, sterile container containing a suitable transport medium (e.g., 70 % ethanol for morphological study or RNAlater for molecular analysis). The container is sealed, stored at 4 °C, and dispatched to the laboratory within the recommended time frame (usually within 24 hours).
In the laboratory, the specimen undergoes the following steps:
- External cleaning with sterile saline to remove debris.
- Morphological identification using a stereomicroscope, referencing taxonomic keys.
- DNA extraction, if required, following a validated protocol (e.g., silica‑column or magnetic‑bead method).
- PCR amplification of target genes (e.g., 16S rRNA, COI) for species confirmation and pathogen screening.
- Sequencing or real‑time PCR to detect specific infectious agents (e.g., Borrelia, Rickettsia).
All documentation, including patient data, collection time, and anatomical site, is recorded in the laboratory information system. Results are reported to the clinician with interpretation of species identification and any detected pathogens.