Where should you take a tick? - briefly
Remove the tick and present it to a medical professional or local health authority for identification and testing. If the bite involves an animal, consult a veterinarian.
Where should you take a tick? - in detail
When a tick is found on a person or an animal, the specimen should be delivered to a facility capable of accurate identification and pathogen testing. The most reliable options are:
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Local health department laboratory – most county or state health agencies operate a vector‑borne disease unit that accepts ticks for species confirmation and screening for Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, and other infections. Contact information is usually available on the department’s website or by phone.
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University or college entomology department – many academic institutions maintain research collections and diagnostic services. They often provide free or low‑cost analysis for residents, especially in regions with high tick activity.
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Veterinary clinic or animal hospital – for ticks removed from pets, veterinarians can submit the specimen to a specialized laboratory. This ensures that any zoonotic pathogens are identified and appropriate treatment recommendations are given.
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Commercial diagnostic laboratories – companies such as Quest Diagnostics and Labcorp offer tick testing services. Samples can be mailed using a pre‑paid kit supplied by the provider; results are typically delivered electronically within a few weeks.
Before transporting the tick, follow these steps to preserve its integrity:
- Place the whole tick in a sealed, sterile container (e.g., a small plastic tube or a zip‑lock bag).
- Add a damp cotton ball or a few drops of sterile saline to keep the specimen moist, preventing desiccation that could affect DNA extraction.
- Label the container with the date of removal, exact location on the host’s body, and any relevant travel history.
- Store the container at 4 °C (refrigerator temperature) if it will not be shipped within 24 hours; otherwise, ship immediately on ice packs.
If the bite occurred within 24 hours and the tick is still attached, removal should be performed with fine‑point tweezers, pulling upward with steady pressure to avoid mouthpart breakage. After removal, the same preservation protocol applies.
Choosing the appropriate destination for the tick depends on accessibility, cost, and the need for rapid results. Public health labs provide the most comprehensive pathogen panels, while veterinary clinics may offer quicker turnaround for pet‑related cases. Commercial labs are suitable for individuals seeking a convenient mail‑in service. In all cases, proper handling and timely submission are essential for accurate diagnosis and effective public‑health response.