Where should a subcutaneous tick test be submitted? - briefly
Submit the subcutaneous tick test to a certified clinical laboratory with microbiology capabilities, preferably one accredited by CAP or CLIA. Alternatively, forward it to a reference laboratory that specializes in infectious‑disease diagnostics.
Where should a subcutaneous tick test be submitted? - in detail
The appropriate destination for a subcutaneous tick assay is a certified diagnostic laboratory that meets the regulatory requirements for arthropod testing. The laboratory must be accredited by the Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA) for human specimens or by the American Association of Veterinary Laboratory Diagnosticians (AAVLD) for animal samples. Submission to a reference laboratory with expertise in tick identification and pathogen detection ensures accurate results and access to advanced molecular techniques.
Key considerations for selecting a laboratory:
- Accreditation status – CLIA‑certified (human) or AAVLD‑accredited (veterinary) labs.
- Specialization – Facilities that routinely handle tick morphology, PCR for Borrelia, Rickettsia, Anaplasma, and other tick‑borne agents.
- Geographic proximity – Regional public health labs or university‑affiliated centers reduce transport time and preserve specimen integrity.
- Regulatory compliance – Labs must follow biosafety level (BSL‑2) protocols for handling potentially infectious arthropods.
- Turnaround time – Institutions that provide rapid reporting, often within 48–72 hours for molecular assays.
Typical submission pathways:
- State or provincial public health laboratory – Primary option for human health investigations; these labs coordinate with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) when additional testing is required.
- University or research institute laboratory – Suitable for detailed species identification and emerging pathogen surveillance; often collaborates with national reference centers.
- Veterinary diagnostic laboratory – Preferred for animal cases; can process both the tick and host tissue samples under a single workflow.
- Commercial reference laboratory – Provides standardized testing packages, including morphological identification, PCR panels, and serology, with nationwide shipping services.
Sample handling requirements:
- Place the tick in a sealed, leak‑proof container with a moist environment (e.g., a damp cotton ball) to prevent desiccation.
- Label the container with collection date, location, host species, and any relevant clinical information.
- Ship the specimen on ice packs, not frozen, using overnight courier services that comply with hazardous material regulations for biological specimens.
- Include a completed requisition form specifying the desired tests (e.g., species identification, pathogen PCR panel) and contact information for result delivery.
By directing the specimen to a qualified, accredited laboratory that offers specialized tick analysis, the test will meet diagnostic standards, provide reliable identification, and support appropriate public health or clinical interventions.