How long does tick testing take? - briefly
Tick testing usually requires 10–14 business days for standard analyses, with expedited services completing in 3–5 days. Results may be delayed up to 30 days if additional confirmatory testing is needed.
How long does tick testing take? - in detail
The length of a tick‑borne disease test varies according to several distinct phases.
The initial phase—sample collection and preparation—usually requires 5–15 minutes for a blood draw, plus a few minutes for labeling and packaging. If the specimen is taken at a clinic that ships to an external laboratory, the courier schedule adds 1–2 hours for pickup.
The transport interval depends on distance and service level. Standard overnight courier typically delivers the sample within 12–24 hours; express same‑day services can reduce this to 4–6 hours, but are less common for routine testing.
Laboratory processing comprises three steps:
- Extraction and amplification – automated platforms perform nucleic‑acid extraction and polymerase‑chain‑reaction (PCR) in 2–4 hours.
- Assay run – multiplex PCR panels that screen for multiple tick pathogens (e.g., Borrelia burgdorferi, Anaplasma phagocytophilum, Ehrlichia chaffeensis) complete in 1–2 hours.
- Verification and quality control – technicians review amplification curves and run controls, adding another 30 minutes to 1 hour.
After analysis, the laboratory generates a report. Electronic delivery to the ordering clinician generally occurs within 24 hours of receipt of the specimen for most high‑throughput facilities. Some reference labs offer rapid‑turnaround options, providing preliminary results in 6–12 hours for urgent cases.
Summarized typical timelines:
- Standard service – 2–3 days from collection to final report.
- Expedited service – 12–24 hours for the entire process.
- Critical‑care or research settings – 6–12 hours when on‑site PCR equipment is available.
Factors that can extend the timeframe include:
- Sample quality issues requiring repeat collection.
- Weekend or holiday laboratory closures.
- High test volume causing backlog.
- Use of less common pathogen panels that need specialized reagents.
Overall, a routine tick‑borne disease test is completed within a few days, while accelerated protocols can deliver results within the same day.