How to submit a tick for analysis after a bite? - briefly
Remove the tick with fine tweezers, place it in a sealed container with a damp cotton ball, and forward it to a qualified laboratory within 24–48 hours. Include the bite date and any relevant travel history on the accompanying submission form.
How to submit a tick for analysis after a bite? - in detail
When a tick has attached and been removed, the specimen can be sent to a laboratory for identification and pathogen testing. Follow these steps to ensure the sample remains viable and the results are reliable.
First, remove the tick with fine-tipped tweezers, grasping it as close to the skin as possible. Pull upward with steady pressure, avoiding crushing the body. Place the whole tick in a sealed container—preferably a small, airtight tube or a zip‑lock bag. Include a small piece of moist cotton to prevent desiccation, but do not submerge the insect in liquid unless the testing facility specifically requests it.
Second, label the container clearly. Record the date of removal, exact location (geographic coordinates or address), and the host’s details (species, age, any symptoms). Attach a printed or handwritten request form supplied by the diagnostic lab, indicating the preferred tests (e.g., PCR for Borrelia, Anaplasma, Ehrlichia, or other regional pathogens).
Third, contact the chosen laboratory before shipping. Confirm accepted specimen types, required preservation medium, and turnaround time. Obtain a prepaid shipping label if the lab provides one, or arrange a courier service that guarantees overnight delivery. Pack the sealed container inside a secondary protective envelope with cushioning material, and mark the package “Biological specimen – do not freeze.”
Finally, retain a copy of all documentation for personal records. Once the lab receives the tick, they will perform species identification and molecular assays. Results are typically returned within one to two weeks, either electronically or by mail, and will include interpretation guidelines for any detected infections.
By adhering to this protocol, the tick remains intact, the risk of contamination is minimized, and the diagnostic process proceeds efficiently.