How to remove a tick in a hospital? - briefly
Use sterile forceps to grasp the tick as close to the skin as possible, pull upward with steady, even pressure, and then disinfect the bite site; send the removed specimen to the lab for identification if required.
How to remove a tick in a hospital? - in detail
In a clinical environment the removal of a hard‑shelled parasite requires strict adherence to infection‑control standards and precise technique.
First, verify patient identity and obtain informed consent, explaining the brief nature of the procedure and possible sensations.
Prepare a sterile field: wash hands thoroughly, don gloves, and assemble the following items – fine‑point tweezers or a dedicated tick‑removal instrument, antiseptic solution (e.g., chlorhexidine), sterile gauze, a waste container with biohazard labeling, and a documentation form.
Clean the skin surrounding the organism with antiseptic, allowing it to dry.
Grasp the tick as close to the skin surface as possible, holding the mouthparts without compressing the body. Apply steady, downward pressure to pull the parasite straight out; avoid twisting or jerking motions that could detach the head.
Immediately place the extracted tick into a labeled, sealed container for possible laboratory analysis.
Disinfect the bite site with antiseptic, then cover with sterile gauze.
Record the encounter: date, time, anatomical location, species identification if known, and any patient symptoms.
Schedule a follow‑up appointment or advise the patient to monitor the area for signs of infection, such as redness, swelling, or fever, and to seek care promptly if they develop.
Dispose of all contaminated materials according to hospital biohazard protocols.