Where should a tick be sent for encephalitis testing? - briefly
Submit the specimen to a certified public‑health laboratory, such as the state health department’s vector‑borne disease lab or the CDC Arbovirus Diagnostic Laboratory, which are equipped to test for encephalitic viruses. These facilities follow standardized protocols for tick identification and molecular detection of pathogens.
Where should a tick be sent for encephalitis testing? - in detail
Testing a tick for encephalitis‑causing agents requires submission to a laboratory equipped to detect viral RNA, antigen, or viable virus. The most reliable options are public health reference facilities, federal diagnostic centers, and accredited commercial laboratories.
- State or provincial public health laboratories – typically designated as the first point of contact for vector‑borne disease investigations. They accept specimens for Powassan virus, tick‑borne encephalitis virus, and related agents.
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Arbovirus Diagnostic Laboratory – accepts ticks from any U.S. jurisdiction for confirmatory testing when state resources are insufficient or when rare pathogens are suspected.
- United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) – processes ticks for zoonotic viruses that affect both humans and animals.
- Certified veterinary diagnostic companies (e.g., IDEXX, Antech) – offer nucleic‑acid testing panels that include encephalitis viruses; useful for private practitioners and research groups.
- University or research institution reference labs – maintain expertise in emerging tick‑borne viruses and may provide testing under collaborative agreements.
To submit a specimen, follow these procedures:
- Place the tick in a sterile, leak‑proof container with a minimal amount of viral transport medium or dry ice, depending on the laboratory’s specifications.
- Label the container with collection date, location (GPS coordinates if possible), host species, and any relevant clinical information.
- Complete the laboratory’s requisition form, indicating the suspected encephalitis virus panel.
- Ship via a certified courier that complies with UN3373 (Category B) biological substance regulations; include a temperature log if cold chain is required.
- Retain a copy of the shipping manifest and tracking number for reference.
Compliance with biosafety and import/export regulations is mandatory. Some laboratories require a permit for interstate or international transport of arthropod specimens. Verify the specific requirements on the laboratory’s website before dispatch.
Selecting the appropriate facility ensures accurate identification of the pathogen, informs public health response, and supports epidemiological surveillance of tick‑borne encephalitis.