How should a tick be examined during inspection? - briefly
Inspect the tick under magnification, focusing on the ventral side to locate the mouthparts and assess engorgement level. Document its species, attachment site, and estimated duration to guide appropriate removal and monitoring.
How should a tick be examined during inspection? - in detail
When a tick is retrieved for examination, follow a systematic protocol to ensure accurate identification and safe handling.
First, isolate the specimen in a labeled container. Use a sealed vial with 70 % ethanol or a cool, dry tube for preservation, depending on whether morphological or molecular analysis is planned. Label must include date, location, host species, and collector’s name.
Second, conduct a visual assessment under magnification (10–30×). Record:
- Size (mm) and engorgement level
- Body shape (flat, oval, or rounded)
- Coloration patterns
- Presence of legs, scutum, and mouthparts
- Any visible lesions or abnormalities
Third, determine the developmental stage. Identify as larva, nymph, or adult; note sex for adults by examining the ventral genital aperture. Use standard taxonomic keys that focus on dorsal shield ornamentation, anal groove position, and spiracle morphology.
Fourth, document findings with photographs. Capture dorsal, ventral, and lateral views, ensuring scale bars are included. Store images in a secure database linked to the specimen label.
Fifth, if pathogen testing is required, transfer a portion of the tick to a sterile microcentrifuge tube without preservative. Keep the sample frozen at –20 °C or lower until nucleic acid extraction. Record the exact portion taken (e.g., whole tick, salivary glands) to maintain traceability.
Finally, dispose of the remaining material according to biosafety guidelines. Autoclave or incinerate containers, and decontaminate work surfaces with 10 % bleach followed by ethanol.
Adhering to this procedure minimizes contamination risk, preserves diagnostic features, and provides reliable data for epidemiological studies.