Where can a tick be submitted for analysis in a chemical lab? - briefly
Samples may be sent to university environmental‑chemistry departments or to accredited forensic/analytical chemistry laboratories that provide trace‑analysis services. Contact the laboratory’s analytical chemistry unit for submission procedures and required documentation.
Where can a tick be submitted for analysis in a chemical lab? - in detail
Samples of a tick can be examined in facilities equipped for chemical and toxicological testing. Suitable options include:
- University or college analytical chemistry departments that run accredited laboratories. These units often accept external specimens for elemental or pesticide residue analysis and can provide detailed reports.
- Commercial contract research organizations (CROs) specializing in environmental or forensic chemistry. They offer services such as gas chromatography‑mass spectrometry (GC‑MS), liquid chromatography‑mass spectrometry (LC‑MS), and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP‑MS) for detecting heavy metals or organic contaminants.
- Government laboratories, for example state health departments, agricultural extension services, or federal agencies like the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). These agencies maintain reference methods and can verify results against regulatory standards.
- Private veterinary diagnostic centers with a chemical analysis division. Some veterinary labs collaborate with academic partners to perform advanced testing on arthropod vectors.
- Regional reference laboratories affiliated with the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) or similar bodies. They provide validated analytical procedures and can certify findings for legal or research purposes.
When submitting a tick, follow each facility’s protocol: include a chain‑of‑custody form, describe the collection method, indicate the intended analytes (e.g., pesticides, heavy metals, metabolites), and provide any relevant background information. Proper packaging, labeling, and temperature control are essential to preserve sample integrity.