Where can a tick be submitted to a laboratory? - briefly
Ticks may be mailed to state or provincial public‑health laboratories, university entomology or veterinary pathology departments, and accredited commercial diagnostic centers that specialize in arthropod testing. Specimens should be placed in a sealed container with ethanol or frozen and accompanied by a completed submission form.
Where can a tick be submitted to a laboratory? - in detail
Submitting a tick for laboratory analysis can be done through several established channels. Public health agencies operate state and regional laboratories that accept arthropod specimens for identification and pathogen testing. Contact the state health department to obtain the appropriate submission form and mailing instructions. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) maintains a reference laboratory in Atlanta; specimens are accepted via an online request system that provides a prepaid shipping label and specimen handling guide.
University and veterinary school laboratories frequently process ticks for research and diagnostic purposes. Many institutions list a dedicated vector-borne disease program on their website, offering email or phone contacts for specimen submission. Private diagnostic companies also provide tick testing services; they usually require an online order, payment upfront, and a pre‑labeled packaging kit.
Typical requirements for all submission routes include:
- Adult or nymph tick placed in a sealed, breathable container (e.g., a small plastic tube with a cotton plug) to prevent desiccation.
- Accurate labeling with collection date, location (GPS coordinates if possible), host species, and any observed symptoms.
- Completed request form specifying desired tests (species identification, PCR for Borrelia, Anaplasma, Ehrlichia, etc.).
- Inclusion of a prepaid, trackable shipping label following the laboratory’s biosafety guidelines.
If immediate analysis is needed, some state health departments operate “tick testing hotlines” that provide same‑day courier pickup. For routine submissions, standard USPS priority mail with appropriate labeling is acceptable. Always verify the laboratory’s current protocol, as requirements may vary between agencies.