Where to submit a sample of a facial tick? - briefly
Send the specimen to your state or local public health laboratory, which can forward it to the CDC’s Tick‑Borne Disease Reference Laboratory for analysis. Contact the health department for exact submission procedures and packaging requirements.
Where to submit a sample of a facial tick? - in detail
Submitting a facial tick specimen requires adherence to protocols that ensure accurate identification and safe handling. Follow these steps to deliver the sample to an appropriate laboratory.
First, select an accredited facility. Options include:
- State or local public health department laboratories that process arthropod vectors.
- University entomology or parasitology departments with a focus on medical tick research.
- Veterinary diagnostic labs that accept wildlife and domestic animal ectoparasites.
- Commercial tick testing services that provide online submission portals.
Second, prepare the specimen. Place the tick in a sealed, breathable container such as a small v‑vial or a zip‑lock bag. Add a damp cotton ball to maintain humidity, preventing desiccation. Label the container with:
- Date of collection.
- Precise location (city, county, GPS coordinates if possible).
- Host information (human, animal species, age, any relevant health details).
- Collector’s name and contact details.
Third, complete the accompanying documentation. Most laboratories require a short questionnaire or electronic form that records the above information and any observed symptoms. Attach the form securely to the package or include it in the email accompanying an online submission.
Fourth, arrange shipment. Use a reputable courier that offers tracking and temperature‑controlled options if the receiving lab specifies. Mark the package with “Biological specimen – tick” to comply with transport regulations. Retain the tracking number for verification.
Finally, confirm receipt. Contact the receiving laboratory within 24 hours of dispatch to verify that the sample arrived intact and to obtain an estimated turnaround time for identification and reporting.
By following these procedures, a facial tick sample can be submitted efficiently to a qualified institution, ensuring reliable analysis and appropriate public‑health response.