Where can a tick be sent for analysis? - briefly
Ticks can be sent to state or local public‑health laboratories, university entomology or parasitology departments, and accredited veterinary diagnostic centers. Contact the appropriate agency for submission procedures.
Where can a tick be sent for analysis? - in detail
Ticks collected for identification or pathogen testing should be directed to qualified diagnostic facilities. Public health laboratories operated by state or provincial health departments routinely accept arthropod specimens. Many of these agencies provide online forms and mailing instructions, often requiring the tick to be placed in a sealed vial with 70 % ethanol or stored dry at –20 °C, depending on the intended analysis.
University entomology or parasitology departments maintain research labs that process tick samples for species confirmation and molecular screening. Contact the department’s vector‑borne disease unit to obtain a specimen‑submission protocol, which typically includes a brief label with collection date, location, host, and any observed symptoms.
Veterinary diagnostic centers, such as those affiliated with animal hospitals or commercial veterinary reference laboratories, analyze ticks removed from pets. These services usually request the specimen in a sterile container with a cotton swab dampened with saline, accompanied by a request form specifying the animal’s health history.
Commercial companies specializing in tick‑borne disease testing offer mail‑in kits. The kit contains a pre‑labeled tube, preservative solution, and a prepaid envelope. After filling the tube, the user seals the package and ships it to the company’s processing facility, where PCR or serology assays are performed.
Key steps for successful submission:
- Verify the laboratory’s accreditation and the specific tests offered (species identification, PCR for Borrelia, Anaplasma, Rickettsia, etc.).
- Follow the prescribed preservation method to maintain DNA integrity.
- Include a detailed data sheet with collection site coordinates, date, host species, and any clinical observations.
- Use a trackable courier service to ensure timely delivery and maintain chain‑of‑custody documentation if required.
By adhering to these guidelines, tick specimens can be reliably examined by the appropriate scientific or public‑health institution.