How long can a tick be stored after a bite? - briefly
A detached tick remains viable for testing for up to 30 days when stored in a sealed container in the refrigerator; at room temperature it should be processed within 14 days. Longer storage reduces the likelihood of accurate pathogen detection.
How long can a tick be stored after a bite? - in detail
A removed tick may be retained for laboratory analysis, species identification, or personal records. Viability of the specimen and integrity of any pathogens it carries depend on storage method and temperature.
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Refrigerated storage (4 °C): Keeps the tick intact for up to 30 days. Suitable for morphological examination and short‑term PCR testing. Place the specimen in a sealed container with a damp cotton swab to prevent desiccation.
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Freezer storage (‑20 °C or colder): Preserves DNA and RNA for several months, often up to 6 months, without significant degradation. Use a cryovial with 70‑95 % ethanol or a dry ice pack for immediate freezing. Ethanol immersion also inactivates many pathogens, enhancing safety.
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Dry, ambient storage: Acceptable for a few days only. Exposure to air causes shrinkage and loss of surface features, compromising species identification. Not recommended for pathogen detection.
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Labeling: Record removal date, geographic location, host species, and any symptoms. Accurate labeling is essential for epidemiological tracking and for interpreting laboratory results.
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Regulatory considerations: Some jurisdictions require submission of ticks within a specified timeframe (often 48 hours) for mandatory disease surveillance. Verify local public‑health guidelines.
In practice, the longest reliable retention period is achieved by freezing the tick in ethanol at ≤ ‑20 °C, which maintains both morphological characteristics and nucleic‑acid quality for up to half a year. Shorter intervals suffice for routine identification, but any delay beyond the recommended periods reduces diagnostic accuracy.