Where can I get a test for ticks? - briefly
Tick testing kits can be obtained from county health department laboratories, veterinary clinics, and many pharmacies that carry certified diagnostic products; several online retailers also sell FDA‑approved kits for home use. Verify that the supplier is accredited for tick‑borne disease analysis before purchase.
Where can I get a test for ticks? - in detail
Tick‑borne disease testing is available through several established channels. Health‑care providers, including primary‑care physicians and urgent‑care clinics, can order laboratory analyses when a tick bite is reported. These facilities typically forward the specimen to accredited diagnostic laboratories that perform polymerase chain reaction (PCR) or enzyme‑linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) tests for pathogens such as Borrelia burgdorferi, Anaplasma phagocytophilum and Babesia spp.
Pharmacies often partner with commercial testing services. Over‑the‑counter kits for tick identification and preliminary screening can be purchased, and pharmacists may arrange for sample submission to partner labs. Results are usually delivered within 5–7 business days.
Veterinary clinics provide testing for animals and, in many regions, also offer services for human samples. Contact information for local veterinary practices can be obtained from municipal directories.
Public‑health departments maintain free or low‑cost testing programs, especially during peak tick‑season months. Residents may schedule appointments at regional health centers, where trained staff collect specimens and coordinate analysis with state laboratories.
Academic and research institutions sometimes operate specialized tick‑testing facilities. Universities with entomology or infectious‑disease departments may accept external samples on a fee‑for‑service basis. Inquiry emails should reference the specific laboratory and provide details of the tick exposure.
Online diagnostic companies accept mailed specimens. The process generally involves:
- Ordering a collection kit through the provider’s website.
- Following the enclosed instructions for safe tick removal and preservation.
- Shipping the sealed kit to the designated laboratory using the prepaid envelope.
- Receiving electronic results, typically within 3–10 days, along with interpretive guidance.
When selecting a testing source, consider accreditation status (e.g., CLIA‑certified), turnaround time, cost, and whether the service covers the suspected pathogen. Accurate diagnosis depends on timely specimen collection, ideally within 24 hours of removal, and proper preservation in a sterile container.«Tick testing is most reliable when performed by certified laboratories following established protocols».