Where should you transport a tick? - briefly
«Transport the tick in a sealed, airtight container—such as a small vial or zip‑lock bag—and keep it refrigerated until delivery to a laboratory or veterinary clinic». «Do not place the specimen in open air or regular waste».
Where should you transport a tick? - in detail
Transporting a tick requires strict adherence to biosafety protocols to prevent accidental release and disease transmission. The appropriate destination is a secure, sealed container that meets laboratory‑grade standards, such as a screw‑cap microcentrifuge tube or a double‑sealed plastic vial. The container must be clearly labeled with the species, collection date, and hazard classification.
Regulatory compliance varies by jurisdiction, but most health agencies mandate that live arthropods be moved only under a permit issued by a veterinary or public‑health authority. Documentation should accompany the specimen, including the permit number, the intended recipient institution, and a chain‑of‑custody record.
Handling procedures:
- Place the tick into a pre‑sterilized container using fine‑tipped forceps.
- Add a minimal volume of chilled, isotonic solution (e.g., phosphate‑buffered saline) to maintain viability without encouraging activity.
- Seal the container, then place it inside a secondary, leak‑proof bag.
- Store the outer package in a refrigerated environment (4 °C) during transit.
- Transport the package in a dedicated, insulated cooler equipped with a temperature monitor.
If the objective is disposal rather than relocation, approved methods include:
- Freezing at –20 °C for a minimum of 24 hours, followed by incineration in a licensed biohazard incinerator.
- Immersion in a high‑concentration ethanol solution (≥ 70 %) for at least 48 hours, then sealing for waste collection.
Failure to follow these guidelines can result in uncontrolled exposure, legal penalties, and public‑health risks.