How to submit a test for a tick bite? - briefly
Collect the tick and any associated skin sample, place them in a sterile, labeled container with date and location details, and forward the package to a certified laboratory according to the lab’s submission guidelines.
How to submit a test for a tick bite? - in detail
When a tick bite is suspected, the first step is to obtain a specimen suitable for laboratory analysis. Use sterile tweezers to grasp the tick as close to the skin as possible, pulling straight upward without crushing the body. Place the intact tick in a sealable plastic tube containing a small amount of 70 % ethanol, or in a dry, labeled container if the laboratory prefers unfixed specimens. Record the date of removal, the geographic location, and the patient's identifier on the container.
After collection, contact the nearest public health laboratory, veterinary diagnostic service, or a commercial tick‑testing provider. Verify the accepted specimen format, required paperwork, and any fees. Most facilities request a completed requisition form that includes:
- Patient name, date of birth, and contact information.
- Precise location of the bite (address or GPS coordinates).
- Date of tick removal.
- Tick life stage (larva, nymph, adult) and visible characteristics.
- Clinical symptoms, if any (e.g., rash, fever).
Submit the sealed container together with the requisition form via one of the following methods, as specified by the testing center:
- Courier service: Pack the tube in a secondary, insulated box, label it as “Biological Sample – Tick,” and arrange same‑day delivery to preserve specimen integrity.
- Postal mail: Use a padded envelope, include a prepaid postage label, and mark the package with “Biological Sample – Keep Cool.” Ensure the sample reaches the laboratory within 48 hours.
- In‑person drop‑off: Deliver the specimen directly to the laboratory counter, where staff can confirm receipt and provide a tracking number.
Upon arrival, the laboratory will identify the tick species, test for pathogens such as Borrelia burgdorferi, Anaplasma phagocytophilum, Babesia spp., and Rickettsia spp., and generate a report. The report is typically sent to the ordering physician or directly to the patient, accompanied by interpretation guidelines and recommended follow‑up actions.
Maintain a copy of all documentation and the laboratory report in the patient’s medical record. If the test returns positive for a disease‑causing agent, initiate appropriate antimicrobial therapy promptly according to established clinical protocols.