How to attach a subcutaneous tick? - briefly
Insert the tick beneath the skin with a sterile hypodermic needle or trocar while the subject is anesthetized, positioning the ventral side of the tick inward. Secure the insertion site using a suture or adhesive dressing to prevent loss.
How to attach a subcutaneous tick? - in detail
The procedure for implanting a subcutaneous tick requires sterile technique, appropriate tools, and careful handling of the arthropod.
First, gather the following items: sterile surgical gloves, antiseptic solution (e.g., 70 % isopropanol), a fine‑point sterile needle (25–27 G), a calibrated forceps, a small gauze pad, a tick containment vial, and a local anesthetic (optional for animal subjects).
Second, prepare the site. Clean the skin area with antiseptic, allowing it to dry. If necessary, apply a local anesthetic to reduce reflex movement.
Third, select a healthy tick. Remove the tick from its containment vial using forceps, ensuring the mouthparts remain intact. Place the tick on a sterile surface and inspect for damage.
Fourth, position the tick. Hold the organism with the dorsal side upward, aligning the ventral mouthparts with the intended insertion point. Use the fine needle to create a shallow incision, approximately 1–2 mm deep, perpendicular to the skin surface.
Fifth, insert the tick. Gently push the tick’s mouthparts into the incision using the forceps. The body should sit just beneath the epidermis, with the legs exposed on the surface. Avoid excessive pressure that could crush the tick.
Sixth, secure the tick. Apply a small amount of sterile adhesive (e.g., medical‑grade cyanoacrylate) around the insertion site to prevent displacement. Allow the adhesive to cure for 30–60 seconds.
Seventh, monitor the attachment. Observe for signs of detachment, bleeding, or infection. Record the time of implantation and any behavioral changes in the host.
Eighth, provide post‑procedure care. Clean the area with antiseptic, cover with a sterile gauze pad if needed, and document the outcome. Replace any used instruments according to biohazard disposal protocols.
Key considerations:
- Maintain a temperature range of 22‑25 °C for the tick during handling.
- Use only live, unfed ticks to ensure successful engraftment.
- Limit the procedure to a maximum of 5 minutes to reduce host stress.
- Follow institutional animal welfare guidelines when performing on live subjects.