Where to submit a tick for analysis? - briefly
Submit the specimen to an accredited entomology laboratory—typically via the institution’s online submission portal—or upload the data to the national vector‑surveillance website for professional analysis.
Where to submit a tick for analysis? - in detail
If you have collected a tick and need it examined, several avenues are available, each with specific procedures.
First, academic entomology departments often run diagnostic services for arthropod specimens. Contact the department’s vector‑borne disease laboratory, provide a brief description of the collection site, and arrange for courier delivery. Most universities require the tick to be placed in a sealed vial with 70 % ethanol or frozen at –20 °C, accompanied by a data sheet that includes date, location (GPS coordinates if possible), host species, and method of capture.
Second, public health agencies maintain regional reference centers for vector identification. Submit the specimen through the state health department’s online portal, where you can upload photos and fill out a standardized form. The agency typically requests the same preservation method as academic labs and will issue a report within two to three weeks.
Third, commercial diagnostic companies specialize in tick‑borne pathogen testing. After creating an account on the provider’s website, order a testing kit, insert the tick into the supplied container, seal it, and ship via the prepaid label. Results, including species identification and pathogen screening, are delivered electronically, usually within ten business days.
Fourth, citizen‑science platforms such as iNaturalist or the Tick Project accept submissions for identification and data aggregation. Upload clear macro photographs, record collection details, and, if the platform offers a mail‑in option, follow its packaging guidelines. While these services may not provide laboratory confirmation, they contribute valuable distribution data to researchers.
Regardless of the chosen route, adhere to these common requirements:
- Preserve the tick in ethanol or freeze it promptly to prevent DNA degradation.
- Use a leak‑proof container labeled with collection information.
- Include a filled submission form or electronic record with precise locality, date, host, and collector name.
- Ship the package with appropriate bio‑hazard markings if required by the receiving institution.
By following the outlined steps and selecting the appropriate institution, you ensure accurate identification and reliable analysis of the tick specimen.