How to store an extracted tick? - briefly
Store the extracted tick as a numeric timestamp (e.g., Unix epoch) in a durable medium such as a database column or a plain‑text file using a standard format like ISO 8601. Retrieve it later by parsing the stored value back into the original time representation.
How to store an extracted tick? - in detail
When a tick is detached for laboratory analysis, the specimen must be kept in a condition that preserves DNA, RNA, and proteins while preventing degradation. Follow these steps to ensure reliable results.
Place the tick in a sterile, leak‑proof container. A 1.5‑ml microcentrifuge tube or a small screw‑cap vial is sufficient. The container should be labeled before the specimen is added.
Label the container with essential metadata. Include the collection date, geographic coordinates or site description, host species, and any identifier used in the study. Use a permanent ink marker or a printed label resistant to moisture and chemicals.
Choose an appropriate preservation medium.
‑ 70 % ethanol provides adequate fixation for morphological examination and short‑term molecular work.
‑ 95–100 % ethanol is preferable for DNA/RNA extraction because it reduces water content.
‑ RNAlater or a similar nucleic‑acid stabilizer is optimal when RNA integrity is critical.
‑ For long‑term storage, flash‑freeze the tick in liquid nitrogen and keep it at –80 °C.
Remove excess liquid before freezing. After immersion in ethanol, blot the tick gently with sterile paper to avoid ice crystal formation during cryogenic storage.
Document the preservation method in the laboratory notebook. Record the type of medium, concentration, and storage temperature. This information is required for reproducibility and data interpretation.
Maintain a chain‑of‑custody log. Each transfer of the specimen—between personnel, storage locations, or analysis stages—must be signed and dated. The log should be stored electronically and backed up regularly.
Dispose of waste according to biosafety regulations. Ethanol‑containing vials are hazardous; treat them as chemical waste, while frozen specimens require proper thawing protocols before disposal.
By adhering to these procedures, the extracted tick remains viable for serological testing, pathogen detection, and morphological studies, ensuring that downstream results are accurate and reproducible.