How long after can a tick be submitted for analysis? - briefly
Ticks should be mailed or delivered to a laboratory within 24–48 hours of removal; if stored in a sealed container at refrigeration temperature (4 °C), they remain suitable for testing for up to 7 days.
How long after can a tick be submitted for analysis? - in detail
Ticks should be sent to a diagnostic laboratory as soon as possible after removal. The optimal interval is within 24 hours, because the specimen remains most viable for morphological identification and pathogen detection. If immediate shipment is not feasible, the following conditions extend the acceptable window:
- Storage at 4 °C (refrigerator) permits preservation for up to 7 days.
- Freezing at –20 °C or lower is suitable for molecular assays but may compromise morphological features; limit storage to 30 days.
- Dry, airtight containers prevent desiccation and contamination.
- Live ticks can be kept in a ventilated tube with a moist cotton plug at room temperature for no more than 48 hours; prolonged holding reduces survival and may alter pathogen load.
Laboratories often require a short questionnaire accompanying the specimen, including date of collection, geographic location, host species, and any observed symptoms. Failure to provide this information may delay results.
Pathogen detection methods (PCR, culture, serology) have specific stability requirements. For Borrelia, Anaplasma, and Rickettsia DNA, refrigerated storage maintains integrity for at least a week. Viral agents, such as tick‑borne encephalitis virus, demand rapid freezing; delays beyond 48 hours at ambient temperature can render samples unusable.
In summary, submit the tick within one day for best outcomes; refrigeration extends the timeframe to a week, while freezing allows longer storage for molecular testing but may limit morphological analysis. Provide complete collection data to ensure accurate diagnosis.