How should a blood test be submitted after a tick bite? - briefly
Collect the specimen in a sterile tube, keep it refrigerated at 2‑8 °C, and deliver it to the laboratory within 24 hours; attach a physician’s order that notes recent tick exposure and the bite date. Use proper labeling to identify the sample and the clinical indication.
How should a blood test be submitted after a tick bite? - in detail
When a tick bite raises concern for possible infection, the laboratory specimen must be collected, packaged, and transported according to strict standards to preserve diagnostic integrity. The process can be divided into three phases: specimen acquisition, handling and labeling, and dispatch to the testing facility.
The first phase requires drawing venous blood using a sterile needle and a collection tube containing the appropriate anticoagulant (typically EDTA for PCR assays or serum separator tube for serology). The volume should meet the assay’s minimum requirement, often 5 mL per tube, and the draw must occur within the time window recommended for the suspected pathogen—generally 3–6 weeks post‑exposure for early seroconversion or at the onset of symptoms for molecular detection.
The second phase focuses on preserving the sample’s quality. Immediately after collection, the tube should be mixed gently by inversion (5–10 times) to ensure anticoagulant distribution. The specimen must be placed in a biohazard‑compliant container with absorbent material to prevent leakage. Labeling must include: patient identifier, date and time of draw, type of tube, and the specific test requested (e.g., Lyme disease PCR, Babesia serology). A unique barcode enhances traceability and reduces transcription errors.
The final phase addresses shipment. For tests requiring refrigeration, maintain a temperature of 2–8 °C using insulated cool packs; for assays that tolerate ambient conditions, keep the sample at room temperature but avoid prolonged exposure to heat. The package should comply with the UN3373 “Category B” regulations for transporting infectious substances. Include a completed laboratory requisition form, a copy of the clinician’s order, and a brief clinical note describing the tick exposure (date, location, duration of attachment). Dispatch the package via a courier service that offers tracking and guarantees delivery within the laboratory’s stipulated receipt window, typically 24–48 hours.
Key checklist for the submission:
- Venous blood drawn into correct tube type.
- Gentle inversion to mix anticoagulant.
- Absorbent, sealed biohazard container.
- Accurate, comprehensive label and barcode.
- Temperature control appropriate to test requirements.
- Compliance with UN3373 packaging standards.
- Inclusion of requisition form and clinical information.
- Use of a tracked courier service with timely delivery.
Adherence to these steps ensures that the specimen reaches the laboratory in optimal condition, enabling reliable detection of tick‑borne pathogens and supporting prompt clinical decision‑making.