Where can one submit a tick for analysis? - briefly
Submit the ticker symbol to a financial data platform such as Yahoo Finance, Bloomberg Terminal, or an API service like Alpha Vantage for automated analysis. These services return detailed price history, technical indicators, and fundamental metrics.
Where can one submit a tick for analysis? - in detail
Submitting a tick for laboratory examination requires selecting a facility equipped to identify species and test for pathogens. The most reliable options include:
- State or provincial health departments – often operate vector‑surveillance programs that accept specimens through designated mail‑in kits or drop‑off locations. Contact the local vector‑borne disease unit for instructions.
- University or research institution labs – entomology or epidemiology departments frequently run diagnostic services for external researchers. Requests are typically submitted via email with a completed specimen‑submission form.
- Federal agencies – agencies such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the National Institutes of Health (NIH) maintain tick‑testing programs for public health investigations. Access is granted through official channels, usually requiring a referral from a health professional.
- Commercial veterinary diagnostic laboratories – private companies specialize in tick‑borne disease testing for pets and livestock. Samples are sent using pre‑paid packaging supplied by the provider after ordering a test panel online.
- Non‑profit tick‑identification networks – organizations like the Tick Identification Project accept digital photographs for preliminary species identification, while physical specimens may be forwarded to partner labs.
When preparing a specimen, follow these standards:
- Place the tick in a tightly sealed vial containing 70 % ethanol; avoid formalin, which degrades DNA.
- Label the vial with collection date, location (latitude/longitude if possible), host species, and collector name.
- Complete the required submission form, indicating desired analyses (species identification, PCR for Borrelia, Anaplasma, Rickettsia, etc.).
- Ship the package via a trackable service, ensuring compliance with postal regulations for biological specimens.
Choosing the appropriate venue depends on the intended analysis depth, turnaround time, and whether the request originates from a clinical, research, or public‑health context. All listed institutions provide documented protocols and contact information on their websites.