Where to submit a removed tick? - briefly
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Where to submit a removed tick? - in detail
When a tick has been detached, the specimen should be sent to a laboratory capable of identifying the species and testing for pathogens. The most reliable destinations are:
- The local public‑health department’s vector‑borne disease unit. They receive specimens for routine surveillance and can provide results on common agents such as Borrelia burgdorferi, Anaplasma spp., and Babesia spp.
- The primary‑care physician’s office, if it partners with a reference laboratory. The clinician can arrange courier shipment or submit the tick during a follow‑up visit.
- Commercial tick‑testing services that specialize in molecular analysis. These companies accept mailed specimens and return detailed reports on a wide range of bacterial, viral, and protozoan pathogens.
To ensure accurate analysis, follow these handling procedures:
- Place the tick in a clean, sealable container (e.g., a small vial or a zip‑lock bag). Avoid crushing the body.
- Add a damp piece of sterile cotton or a few drops of 70 % ethanol if the specimen must be preserved for more than 24 hours; otherwise, keep it dry.
- Label the container with the date of removal, exact location (geographic coordinates or nearest landmark), and any relevant exposure information (e.g., outdoor activity, host animal).
- Include a brief questionnaire or request form required by the receiving laboratory, noting symptoms, travel history, and recent antibiotic use.
- Ship the package using a standard postal service or a courier that guarantees next‑day delivery. Mark the envelope as “Biological specimen – non‑infectious” and attach the appropriate biosafety label if required.
If the tick is submitted to a public‑health agency, the results are typically entered into regional disease‑tracking databases and may trigger follow‑up notifications for the patient. Commercial services generally provide a written report within 7–10 days, often with recommendations for further medical evaluation if pathogens are detected.
In summary, the specimen can be directed to a governmental health laboratory, the patient’s medical provider, or a specialized testing company, provided that proper containment, labeling, and rapid shipment are observed. This approach maximizes diagnostic yield and supports both individual care and broader epidemiological monitoring.