How to best preserve a tick? - briefly
Place the specimen in 70 % ethanol, store the sealed vial at 4 °C, and label it with collection details. Avoid freezing or air‑drying, which can damage DNA and morphology.
How to best preserve a tick? - in detail
Preserving a tick for scientific or diagnostic purposes requires a method that maintains morphological integrity and DNA quality. The most reliable approach combines immediate fixation, controlled storage, and proper documentation.
Begin by placing the specimen in a container with 70–95 % ethanol. Ethanol penetrates the cuticle quickly, preventing decay and preserving both external structures and nucleic acids. Use a volume at least ten times the tick’s size to ensure complete submersion. Seal the container tightly to avoid evaporation.
If ethanol is unavailable, a short‑term alternative is refrigeration at 4 °C for up to 24 hours, followed by transfer to alcohol. For long‑term storage, keep the ethanol‑filled vials at a stable temperature, away from direct sunlight. Periodic replacement of the alcohol (every 6–12 months) prevents dilution from tissue fluids and maintains preservative potency.
When DNA analysis is anticipated, avoid formalin, which cross‑links proteins and degrades genetic material. Instead, after initial ethanol fixation, transfer the tick to a secondary solution of 95 % ethanol or isopropanol for at least 48 hours before freezing at –20 °C or –80 °C. Freezing halts enzymatic activity and preserves high‑quality DNA for PCR or sequencing.
Label each vial with a unique identifier, collection date, host species, geographic location, and any relevant clinical information. Use waterproof ink or pre‑printed barcode labels to ensure legibility over time.
A concise checklist for optimal preservation:
- Place tick in 70–95 % ethanol (minimum 10× specimen volume).
- Seal container securely; store at room temperature, protected from light.
- For DNA work: after 24 h, move to 95 % ethanol or isopropanol, then freeze at –20 °C/–80 °C.
- Replace ethanol every 6–12 months.
- Record identifier, date, host, location, and notes on condition.
- Use waterproof labeling; consider barcode for database integration.
Following these steps ensures that the tick remains morphologically intact and genetically viable for subsequent examination, microscopy, or molecular testing.