How should a test for a subcutaneous tick be submitted? - briefly
Submit the specimen in a sealed, leak‑proof container with the tick intact, together with a completed requisition form that notes the subcutaneous location and relevant clinical details. Include a brief description of the host and any observed symptoms.
How should a test for a subcutaneous tick be submitted? - in detail
When a subcutaneous tick specimen requires laboratory analysis, follow a strict protocol to preserve diagnostic integrity.
Collect the tick with sterile forceps, avoiding damage to the mouthparts and internal structures. Place the organism in a labeled, leak‑proof container containing 70 % ethanol; if molecular testing is anticipated, use chilled sterile saline or a nucleic‑acid preservation medium instead of alcohol.
Label the container with the patient’s identifier, date and time of collection, anatomical site of removal, and the collector’s name. Include a requisition form that details:
- Clinical presentation and suspected disease(s)
- Recent travel history and exposure risk factors
- Type of test requested (e.g., morphological identification, PCR for Borrelia, serology)
- Contact information for the ordering clinician
Seal the container, then store it at 4 °C if ethanol is used, or on ice if a preservation solution is employed. Transport the specimen to the reference laboratory within 24 hours; for longer intervals, freeze at –20 °C to prevent nucleic‑acid degradation.
Upon arrival, the laboratory will verify labeling, accession the sample, and perform the requested analyses according to validated standard operating procedures. Documentation of all steps, from collection to receipt, ensures traceability and compliance with regulatory guidelines.