How should blood be submitted after a tick bite? - briefly
Collect a venous blood sample in a serum separator tube within 24–48 hours of the bite, label it with patient ID, date, and time, and ship it to a laboratory that performs PCR or serology for tick‑borne pathogens under refrigerated conditions (2–8 °C). Ensure the specimen reaches the lab within 48 hours to preserve pathogen integrity.
How should blood be submitted after a tick bite? - in detail
When a patient presents after a tick attachment, the clinician must obtain a blood specimen that will reliably detect possible infection. The collection should follow these steps:
- Choose the correct test panel: include serology for Borrelia burgdorferi (IgM and IgG), PCR for Anaplasma phagocytophilum and Ehrlichia chaffeensis if indicated, and a complete blood count with differential to assess hematologic response.
- Draw the sample using a sterile, single‑use needle and a vacuum tube appropriate for each assay (serum separator tube for antibody testing, EDTA tube for PCR).
- Invert the tubes gently 5–10 times to mix anticoagulant or clot activator.
- Label each tube with patient identifiers, date and time of collection, and the specific test requested.
- Record the exact interval between the tick bite and specimen collection; this information influences interpretation, especially for early‑stage serology.
- Keep PCR samples refrigerated at 2‑8 °C and transport them to the laboratory within 24 hours; serum for antibody detection may be allowed to clot at room temperature for up to 30 minutes before centrifugation, then frozen at –20 °C if delays exceed 48 hours.
- Complete the requisition form, noting the suspected tick‑borne disease, geographic exposure, and any prior antibiotic therapy.
The laboratory should receive the specimens in a biosecure container, accompanied by a chain‑of‑custody log if required. Prompt processing, correct temperature control, and thorough documentation ensure accurate diagnostic results and guide timely treatment.