Where should tests be submitted after a tick bite? - briefly
Specimens obtained after a tick bite should be forwarded to a certified medical laboratory, either the one linked to your healthcare provider or a state public‑health laboratory, for pathogen testing. Prompt submission enables accurate diagnosis and timely treatment decisions.
Where should tests be submitted after a tick bite? - in detail
Laboratories that analyze specimens after a tick exposure fall into three categories: primary‑care facilities, regional public‑health laboratories, and specialized reference centers.
Primary‑care clinics typically have on‑site or contract laboratories capable of processing routine blood work such as complete blood counts and basic serology. Results are returned quickly, allowing immediate clinical decisions.
Regional public‑health laboratories, operated by state or provincial health departments, accept specimens for mandated surveillance of tick‑borne pathogens. They perform standardized tests for agents like Borrelia burgdorferi, Anaplasma phagocytophilum, and Babesia microti. Submitting to these labs satisfies reporting requirements and provides data for epidemiologic tracking.
Specialized reference laboratories, often affiliated with academic institutions or commercial diagnostic companies, handle advanced assays. These include polymerase chain reaction panels, immunoblot confirmations, and multiplex testing for emerging pathogens. Referral to such centers is advisable when initial screening is negative but clinical suspicion remains high, or when infection with a rare organism is suspected.
Key steps for proper submission:
- Collect appropriate specimen types (whole blood in EDTA for PCR, serum for serology, skin biopsy for culture when indicated).
- Label samples with patient identifiers, date of collection, and precise exposure details (date of bite, geographic location).
- Use the laboratory’s preferred transport medium and temperature conditions to preserve nucleic acids and antibodies.
- Include a completed test request form specifying the suspected pathogens and the diagnostic method required.
- Retain a copy of the requisition for follow‑up and documentation.
When a healthcare provider orders testing, they should first verify whether the facility can perform the desired assay. If not, the provider must arrange referral to a public‑health or reference lab, ensuring that the specimen reaches the destination within the recommended timeframe (generally within 24–48 hours for PCR, up to 7 days for serology).
In summary, routine tests are processed at the point‑of‑care laboratory, mandatory surveillance samples are sent to state or provincial public‑health labs, and complex or confirmatory analyses are directed to specialized reference centers. Proper specimen handling, accurate labeling, and adherence to transport guidelines are essential for reliable results.