How should a tick be submitted for analysis? - briefly
Place the tick in a sterile, labeled container with 70 % ethanol, include precise collection details (date, location, host), and ship it promptly to the designated diagnostic laboratory. Ensure the package meets biosafety regulations and is accompanied by a completed submission form.
How should a tick be submitted for analysis? - in detail
Collect the specimen with fine tweezers, avoiding damage to the mouthparts. Place the tick in a sterile, sealable container such as a polypropylene tube or screw‑cap vial. If the tick is engorged, add a few drops of 70 % ethanol; for DNA work, use 95–100 % ethanol or RNAlater, ensuring the volume fully submerges the organism.
Label the container clearly. Include:
- Species (if known) or “unknown tick”
- Collection date (YYYY‑MM‑DD)
- Geographic location (coordinates or description)
- Host information (species, life stage)
- Collector’s name and contact details
- Any relevant clinical data (e.g., symptoms, exposure)
Seal the container tightly. Place the sealed tube inside a secondary, leak‑proof bag with absorbent material. Store at 4 °C for short‑term holding; for longer periods, keep frozen at –20 °C or lower, unless ethanol preservation is used.
Prepare a submission form required by the receiving laboratory. Provide the same data as on the label, plus any test requests (e.g., pathogen PCR panel, species identification, antimicrobial susceptibility). Attach the form to the outer surface of the secondary bag.
Choose a courier service that offers temperature‑controlled transport and tracking. Ship the package according to the laboratory’s bio‑hazard guidelines, using a “Biological Substance, Category B” label if applicable. Include a copy of the submission form in the package and retain a digital copy for records.
Upon receipt, the lab will confirm accession, assign a unique identifier, and begin analysis. Maintain communication with the laboratory for result delivery and any follow‑up queries.