How should a tick be correctly extracted with a syringe? - briefly
Use a sterile syringe with a 1‑ml barrel, insert the needle tip under the tick’s mouthparts, and apply steady, gentle pressure to pull the parasite out in one motion. Immediately clean the bite area with antiseptic and dispose of the tick safely.
How should a tick be correctly extracted with a syringe? - in detail
Removing a tick with a syringe requires precision to prevent mouth‑part retention and minimize pathogen transmission. Follow these steps:
- Prepare a 1‑ml syringe with a 22‑gauge needle. Sterilize the needle by wiping with alcohol or using a sterile disposable needle.
- Position the tick with fine tweezers or a gloved finger, ensuring the body is oriented horizontally to the skin surface.
- Insert the needle tip just beside the tick’s head, parallel to the skin, and advance until the tip contacts the tick’s ventral side.
- Apply gentle, steady pressure on the plunger to push the tick upward and out of the skin. The force should be sufficient to disengage the hypostome without crushing the abdomen.
- Once the tick is free, grasp it with tweezers at the mouth‑parts and withdraw it upward, avoiding squeezing the body.
- Dispose of the tick in a sealed container for identification if needed. Clean the bite area with antiseptic and monitor for signs of infection over the next several days.
Key considerations:
- Avoid pulling or twisting motions, which can leave mouthparts embedded.
- Perform the procedure promptly, preferably within 24 hours of attachment, to reduce disease risk.
- Use a sterile needle for each extraction to prevent cross‑contamination.