How long after should a tick be sent for analysis? - briefly
Send the tick to the laboratory within 24 hours of removal; if immediate shipping is impossible, store it refrigerated (4 °C) and mail it within 48 hours, but no longer than 7 days after collection.
How long after should a tick be sent for analysis? - in detail
The optimal interval for submitting a tick to a diagnostic laboratory is as short as possible after removal, preferably within 24 hours. Delays beyond this period increase the risk of DNA degradation, bacterial overgrowth, and loss of viable parasites, which can compromise test accuracy.
Key factors influencing the time window:
- Specimen preservation – If immediate transport is not feasible, place the tick in a sterile, airtight container with a small amount of 70 % ethanol or keep it refrigerated (2–8 °C). Ethanol preserves nucleic acids but may hinder culture of live organisms; refrigeration maintains viability for culture but does not prevent bacterial proliferation.
- Test type – Molecular assays (PCR) tolerate short storage at ambient temperature for up to 48 hours, whereas culture of Borrelia or Rickettsia requires live specimens and should be processed within 12 hours.
- Laboratory policy – Most reference centers specify a maximum of 48 hours from collection to receipt for PCR, and 24 hours for culture. Confirm the specific limits with the receiving facility.
Practical steps to ensure timely analysis:
- Remove the tick with fine tweezers, avoiding crushing.
- Identify the specimen with date, location, and host information on the container.
- Choose preservation method based on the intended test.
- Ship via overnight courier with temperature control if necessary.
- Notify the laboratory of the shipment and provide any required paperwork.
If the specimen cannot reach the lab within the recommended period, request guidance from the laboratory; some may accept delayed samples with alternative preservation, but diagnostic sensitivity may be reduced.