How to retrieve a detached tick? - briefly
Invoke the API function that fetches a tick by its unique ID (e.g., GetDetachedTick(id)) after re‑establishing the session, then read the returned object's timestamp and price fields. This provides the complete data of the previously isolated tick for further processing.
How to retrieve a detached tick? - in detail
When a tick separates from its host before removal, the bite site may still be exposed to pathogen transmission. Recovering the lost arthropod allows for species identification, pathogen testing, and proper medical assessment.
First, assess the environment where the tick fell. Examine clothing, bedding, and surrounding surfaces. Use a fine-toothed comb or a lint roller to collect any remnants. If the tick landed on the floor, sweep the area and place the collected material in a sealed container.
Second, preserve the specimen correctly. Transfer the tick into a small vial containing 70 % ethanol. Label the vial with the date, time, and location of the incident. If ethanol is unavailable, a clean, dry cotton swab can be used to pick up the tick, then stored in a sealed plastic bag with a desiccant pack.
Third, submit the sample for laboratory analysis. Contact a local public health laboratory or veterinary service, providing the sealed container and a brief description of the exposure. Request species identification and testing for common tick‑borne pathogens such as Borrelia burgdorferi, Anaplasma phagocytophilum, and Rickettsia spp.
If the tick cannot be recovered, document the bite site thoroughly. Take a high‑resolution photograph, note any erythema or swelling, and record the duration of attachment before detachment. Inform a healthcare professional of the incident; they may recommend prophylactic treatment based on regional disease prevalence.
Key points for successful retrieval:
- Search immediately after detachment; ticks remain viable for several hours.
- Use tools that minimize damage to the tick’s exoskeleton.
- Preserve in ethanol to prevent degradation of DNA.
- Provide complete contextual information to the analyzing laboratory.
Following these steps maximizes the likelihood of obtaining a usable specimen, facilitating accurate diagnosis and appropriate medical response.