Where should you submit tests after a tick bite? - briefly
Send the tick and any relevant blood sample to a certified medical laboratory for testing of Lyme disease and other tick‑borne infections. Your healthcare provider can arrange the appropriate analysis through their designated reference lab.
Where should you submit tests after a tick bite? - in detail
After a tick attachment, the specimen—typically the removed tick, a skin biopsy, or a blood sample—must be sent to a laboratory equipped for vector‑borne disease analysis. The laboratory should be accredited for testing pathogens such as Borrelia burgdorferi, Anaplasma, Ehrlichia, and tick‑borne viruses.
Recommended destinations for specimen submission
- State or provincial public health laboratories: They provide free or low‑cost testing, follow standardized protocols, and report results to health authorities.
- University or hospital reference laboratories: These facilities handle a broader panel of assays, including PCR, serology, and culture, and can offer rapid turnaround for complex cases.
- Commercial diagnostic companies specializing in tick‑borne diseases: Examples include Quest Diagnostics, Labcorp, and specialized firms like Tick‑Test™. They accept mailed specimens and provide detailed reports for clinicians.
Specimen handling requirements
- Place the tick in a sealed, sterile container with a moist cotton ball; label with date of removal, location, and host information.
- For blood or tissue, use appropriate anticoagulant tubes (e.g., EDTA) and keep samples refrigerated (2–8 °C) if not frozen immediately.
- Ship specimens overnight with a cold pack, avoiding delays longer than 48 hours to preserve pathogen viability.
Documentation and follow‑up
- Include a physician’s request form specifying the suspected pathogen panel and patient history.
- Record the laboratory’s accession number and retain a copy of the test report.
- Arrange for result communication through the ordering clinician; if the result is positive, initiate recommended treatment protocols promptly.
Selecting an accredited public health or reference laboratory, adhering to proper packaging and shipping guidelines, and providing complete clinical information ensure accurate diagnosis and timely management of tick‑related infections.