Where should a removed tick be sent for analysis? - briefly
Send the tick to a qualified public‑health or veterinary diagnostic laboratory, such as a state health department laboratory or the CDC’s Arbovirus Diagnostic Laboratory. These facilities have the expertise and equipment to identify species and test for pathogens.
Where should a removed tick be sent for analysis? - in detail
A removed tick should be forwarded to a laboratory capable of identifying the species and testing for pathogens. The preferred destinations are:
- State or provincial public‑health laboratory – routinely processes arthropod specimens for disease surveillance and can perform PCR or serological assays for bacteria, viruses, and parasites.
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) or equivalent national reference centre – accepts ticks from clinicians and researchers for confirmatory testing and advanced molecular analysis.
- University or veterinary school diagnostic lab – offers species identification, pathogen detection, and may provide expert consultation for atypical cases.
- Commercial diagnostic service – specialized companies that accept mailed specimens and return detailed reports on tick identification and associated infectious agents.
Proper specimen handling is essential:
- Place the tick in a sealed container with a small amount of 70 % ethanol or keep it moist with a damp cotton ball; avoid freezing unless instructed otherwise.
- Label the container with collection date, location, host animal, and any relevant clinical information.
- Include a completed requisition form specifying the desired tests (e.g., species identification, testing for Borrelia burgdorferi, Anaplasma phagocytophilum, Rickettsia spp.).
- Ship the package via a courier that complies with biological sample regulations; maintain temperature recommendations during transport.
If immediate analysis is not required, store the tick at 4 °C for up to two weeks. For long‑term preservation, keep it in ethanol at room temperature. Selecting an accredited laboratory and following these protocols ensures accurate identification and reliable detection of tick‑borne pathogens.