How to examine a tick? - briefly
Remove the tick with fine‑tipped tweezers, grasping close to the skin, then place it on a white surface and assess size, engorgement, and any visible lesions. Document the observations; if the specimen is markedly engorged or shows abnormalities, consult a healthcare professional promptly.
How to examine a tick? - in detail
When a tick is found attached to skin, a systematic approach ensures accurate assessment and safe removal.
First, gather the necessary tools: fine‑point tweezers or a specialized tick‑removal device, a magnifying glass, disposable gloves, and a clean container with alcohol for preservation.
Next, secure the area with gloves to prevent direct contact. Using the tweezers, grasp the tick as close to the skin surface as possible, positioning the tips at the head’s base. Apply steady, gentle pressure to pull upward in a straight motion, avoiding twisting or crushing the body. Release the tick into the alcohol‑filled container for later identification or disposal.
After removal, inspect the bite site for residual mouthparts. A magnifying glass reveals whether any fragments remain embedded; if present, repeat the removal step with precision. Clean the area with antiseptic and monitor for signs of infection.
Proceed to examine the detached specimen. Place the tick under magnification and assess the following characteristics:
- Species indicators: scutum shape, coloration, and size.
- Developmental stage: larva, nymph, or adult, distinguished by body dimensions and the presence of a scutum.
- Engorgement level: degree of swelling indicates feeding duration, correlating with disease transmission risk.
Document findings, noting date, location of attachment, and stage. If the tick is to be sent for laboratory testing, label the container with this information and store it at 4 °C.
Finally, advise the individual to observe the bite site for several weeks, watching for erythema, rash, fever, or flu‑like symptoms, which may signal tick‑borne illness. Prompt medical consultation is warranted if such symptoms appear.