Where to submit a tick for examination? - briefly
Send the specimen to a certified entomology laboratory or the nearest agricultural extension office. State or regional agriculture departments usually list approved submission sites on their websites.
Where to submit a tick for examination? - in detail
If a tick has been removed and requires laboratory analysis, the specimen should be directed to a facility equipped to identify species and test for pathogens. The following options are appropriate:
- Primary care physician or urgent‑care clinic – The clinician can accept the tick, place it in a sealed container, and forward it to a reference laboratory. Documentation of the bite date, location, and patient symptoms should accompany the specimen.
- State or local public‑health laboratory – Many health departments operate vector‑borne disease labs that accept ticks for species confirmation and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing for bacteria such as Borrelia burgdorferi, Anaplasma phagocytophilum, or viruses like Powassan. Contact the department’s vector‑borne disease unit for submission guidelines.
- University or research institution entomology department – Academic labs often provide identification services for community specimens. Submission procedures are typically listed on the department’s website; include a brief case history and a label with collection date and location.
- Commercial diagnostic laboratories – Companies such as Quest Diagnostics and Labcorp offer tick‑analysis panels. Orders can be placed through a physician’s electronic health‑record system, and the specimen is mailed in a pre‑paid, temperature‑controlled package.
Regardless of the chosen outlet, follow these preparation steps:
- Place the tick in a clean, dry, sealable container (e.g., a small vial or zip‑lock bag). Do not use alcohol or other preservatives unless specifically instructed.
- Label the container with the date of removal, geographic location of the bite, and any relevant patient information (age, symptoms, exposure history).
- Complete the laboratory’s submission form, attaching the label details and a brief clinical note.
- Ship or deliver the specimen promptly; most labs request receipt within 24–48 hours to preserve pathogen viability.
If uncertainty exists about the nearest acceptable facility, contact the local health department’s vector‑borne disease hotline. They can verify the appropriate laboratory and provide shipping instructions. Prompt submission ensures accurate identification and timely public‑health reporting.