Where should I send a tick for analysis?

Where should I send a tick for analysis? - briefly

Submit the specimen to a certified veterinary diagnostic laboratory, such as a state veterinary school or an accredited commercial testing service. These facilities possess the necessary equipment and expertise to identify pathogens and evaluate tick‑borne disease risk.

Where should I send a tick for analysis? - in detail

When a tick needs laboratory examination, choose a facility that matches the diagnostic goal—species identification, pathogen detection, or research‑grade analysis. The following options are widely recognized:

• State public‑health or agricultural laboratories (e.g., state health department, USDA‑APHIS). They accept specimens for routine pathogen panels and provide official reports.
• Federal agencies such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) or the National Institutes of Health (NIH) reference labs. These centers handle complex testing, including rare or emerging agents.
• University or veterinary school diagnostic labs. They often offer specialized services, including tick‑species confirmation and broader pathogen screens, sometimes at reduced cost for academic collaborators.
• Commercial diagnostic companies (e.g., IDEXX, Labcorp). They deliver rapid turnaround, standardized panels, and online result portals.

Preparation and shipping protocol

1. Collect the specimen

   • Use fine‑tipped forceps; avoid crushing the tick.
   • Place each tick in a separate, sterile, screw‑cap tube.

2. Preserve the sample

   • For DNA‑based tests, store at –20 °C or in 70 % ethanol.
   • For live‑organism analysis, keep the tick refrigerated (2–8 °C) and ship within 48 hours.

3. Label clearly

   • Include collection date, location (GPS coordinates if possible), host species, and collector name.

4. Complete required paperwork

   • Attach a requisition form specifying desired analyses (e.g., Borrelia spp., Rickettsia spp., species identification).
   • Provide any permits if the tick originates from a regulated area.

5. Package for transport

   • Seal the tube, place it in a secondary container with absorbent material.
   • Use a sturdy outer box, label with “Biological Specimen – Keep Cool”.
   • Choose an overnight courier that offers temperature‑controlled shipping; include a cold pack if required.

6. Notify the receiving lab

   • Email or call the laboratory ahead of dispatch to confirm receipt procedures and obtain a tracking number.

Regulatory considerations

• Verify that interstate transport of arthropods complies with USDA‑APHIS regulations; some species may need an import permit.
• For clinical diagnostics, ensure the lab is CLIA‑certified or otherwise accredited for the requested tests.

By following these steps and selecting a certified laboratory, the tick will reach the appropriate analysis facility efficiently, yielding reliable identification and pathogen results.