How should a tick be stored after a bite? - briefly
After removal, place the tick in a sterile, airtight container (e.g., a zip‑lock bag) with a damp cotton swab and store it at room temperature. Keep the specimen until it can be sent to a laboratory for identification or pathogen testing.
How should a tick be stored after a bite? - in detail
Store a detached tick in a manner that preserves its morphology and DNA for accurate identification and possible pathogen testing. Follow these steps:
- Place the specimen in a small, sealable container such as a screw‑cap microtube, a zip‑lock bag, or a clean plastic vial. Ensure the container is dry and free of contaminants.
- Add a moist medium if the tick will be kept for more than a few hours. Options include a damp cotton ball, a few drops of sterile saline, or a piece of damp filter paper. The humidity prevents desiccation without encouraging bacterial growth.
- Label the container with the date of removal, the location on the body where the tick was attached, and any relevant exposure details (e.g., travel history, outdoor activities). Use a waterproof marker to avoid smearing.
- Store the sealed container at 4 °C (refrigerator) if analysis will occur within 24–48 hours. For longer periods, freeze at –20 °C or lower; this halts degradation of nucleic acids while maintaining structural integrity.
- If immediate laboratory submission is possible, transport the specimen in a cooler with ice packs, keeping the temperature between 2–8 °C. Avoid direct contact with ice to prevent freezing before arrival.
- Discard the container and any used materials according to local biohazard protocols after the tick has been examined or tested.
These practices ensure that the arthropod remains viable for morphological keys and molecular assays, facilitating reliable diagnosis and epidemiological reporting.