Where to submit a dead tick? - briefly
Submit the report to the official issue‑tracking system of the software, such as its GitHub Issues page or the vendor’s bug‑report portal. Use the designated tracker rather than public forums.
Where to submit a dead tick? - in detail
If a tick has been removed and is no longer alive, the most reliable method for confirming its species and potential disease risk is to send the specimen to a qualified laboratory. The process consists of three essential steps: preservation, packaging, and submission.
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Preserve the specimen promptly. Place the tick in a sealed container with 70 % isopropyl alcohol or a vial of ethanol. If alcohol is unavailable, a small amount of clean, dry cotton can keep the tick intact until it reaches a lab, but the specimen should be transferred to a preservative as soon as possible.
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Package securely. Use a rigid, leak‑proof tube or a zip‑lock bag placed inside a padded envelope. Label the package with the date of removal, the location (city, state, and specific environment such as “forest trail” or “backyard”), and any relevant details about the host (human, pet, wildlife). Include a short note with contact information for the sender.
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Choose an accredited recipient. Options include:
- State health department vector laboratories. Most states maintain a division of entomology or vector‑borne disease unit that accepts ticks for identification and testing.
- University or college entomology departments. Many academic institutions run diagnostic services for public health agencies.
- Commercial diagnostic companies. Companies such as Quest Diagnostics, Labcorp, and specialized tick testing services provide species identification and pathogen screening for a fee.
- Veterinary diagnostic labs. If the tick was removed from an animal, veterinary clinics can forward the specimen to their affiliated laboratory.
Before mailing, verify the recipient’s submission guidelines on their website or by phone. Some labs require a completed request form, a payment invoice, or a specific volume of preservative. Shipping the package via a courier that tracks the parcel and delivers within 24–48 hours reduces the risk of degradation.
After receipt, the laboratory will identify the tick to the genus and species level, then test for common pathogens such as Borrelia burgdorferi, Anaplasma phagocytophilum, Ehrlichia chaffeensis, and Rickettsia spp. Results are typically returned within one to two weeks, accompanied by recommendations for medical follow‑up if any disease‑causing agents are detected.
In summary, the proper channel for a dead tick involves immediate preservation in alcohol, secure packaging with clear labeling, and dispatch to an official health, academic, commercial, or veterinary diagnostic facility that offers species identification and pathogen analysis.