How long after a tick bite can a tick be submitted for analysis? - briefly
A tick should be sent for testing as soon as possible, ideally within 24 hours of removal and no later than 48 hours. Some laboratories will accept specimens up to 72 hours after the bite, but diagnostic accuracy declines beyond that window.
How long after a tick bite can a tick be submitted for analysis? - in detail
After a bite, the tick should be collected as soon as possible. Most public‑health laboratories accept specimens that have been stored for up to 30 days, provided the tick remains intact and is kept in appropriate conditions.
Preservation methods
- Place the tick in a sealed plastic container with a small piece of damp cotton to maintain humidity, or
- Store it in a 70 % ethanol solution if immediate analysis is not feasible.
- Keep the container at room temperature, away from direct sunlight; refrigeration (4 °C) is acceptable but not required.
Time limits
- 0–7 days: optimal condition; DNA, pathogens, and morphology are fully preserved.
- 8–14 days: acceptable for most PCR‑based tests; slight degradation may occur.
- 15–30 days: still viable for many assays if the specimen is preserved in ethanol; morphological identification remains reliable.
- Beyond 30 days: most labs consider the sample unsuitable for accurate testing; pathogen load may be too low for detection.
Submission requirements
- Include a brief history: date of attachment, removal date, geographic location, and host species.
- Use a labeled tube indicating collection date and preservation method.
- Attach a completed request form specifying the tests required (e.g., PCR for Borrelia, Anaplasma, Ehrlichia, or visual identification).
If the tick cannot be sent within the 30‑day window, consider contacting a reference laboratory for guidance; some may accept longer‑stored specimens with additional processing steps.