How should a tick be properly transported? - briefly
Place the tick in a sealed, breathable container (e.g., a small vial or zip‑lock bag with a damp paper towel) and label it with the collection date and site. Keep the container in a cool environment (4–10 °C) until it can be examined.
How should a tick be properly transported? - in detail
When moving a tick from the field to a laboratory, follow a protocol that preserves the specimen, prevents contamination, and complies with regulations.
First, isolate the arthropod immediately after collection. Place the tick in a small, sealable container such as a 1.5‑ml microcentrifuge tube or a screw‑cap vial. Use a breathable membrane (e.g., a piece of fine nylon mesh) if the specimen must remain alive; otherwise, a dry tube with a cotton plug suffices for dead specimens.
Second, maintain appropriate conditions for the intended analysis. For molecular work, keep the tick frozen at –20 °C or lower; for morphological studies, store at 4 °C with a desiccant to avoid mold growth. Label each container with collection date, location (GPS coordinates), host species, and collector’s name. Use waterproof ink or pre‑printed barcode labels to prevent loss of information.
Third, secure the container for transport. Place the sealed tube inside a secondary, leak‑proof bag. Add a cold pack or dry ice if low temperature is required, ensuring that the packaging complies with hazardous‑material guidelines for frozen shipments. Cushion the package with foam or paper to avoid impact.
Fourth, complete required documentation. Include a customs declaration, a permit copy (if the tick originates from a regulated region), and a brief description of the purpose of the transfer. Attach the documentation to the outside of the outer package and retain a copy for records.
Fifth, select an appropriate carrier. Use a courier service that offers temperature‑controlled delivery and tracking. Dispatch the package early in the week to avoid weekend delays, and request signature upon receipt.
Finally, upon arrival, verify that the container remains sealed, the temperature indicator shows no breach, and the labeling matches the accompanying paperwork. Record the receipt date and condition in a laboratory log before proceeding with analysis.