Which laboratory should a tick be sent to for testing? - briefly
Ticks requiring analysis must be forwarded to a veterinary or public‑health diagnostic laboratory certified for arthropod pathogen identification, for example «State Public Health Laboratory». These facilities provide molecular and serological assays validated for tick‑borne disease detection.
Which laboratory should a tick be sent to for testing? - in detail
Ticks submitted for diagnostic examination should be directed to facilities equipped for species identification and pathogen detection. The most reliable options include:
- «CDC Tick‑Borne Disease Laboratory» – federal reference center, accepts individual specimens, provides molecular testing for Borrelia, Anaplasma, Ehrlichia, Rickettsia and viral agents.
- State public health laboratories – each state maintains a designated unit for arthropod testing; contact the state health department for submission guidelines.
- Commercial diagnostic companies such as «Quest Diagnostics» and «Labcorp» – offer standardized panels for tick‑borne pathogens, require proper preservation in 70 % ethanol or frozen storage.
- University entomology or microbiology departments – many academic labs conduct species verification and experimental pathogen screening; submission procedures vary by institution.
When preparing a specimen, follow these steps:
- Place the tick in a sterile container with 70 % ethanol or freeze at –20 °C; avoid formalin, which degrades DNA.
- Label the container with collection date, location, host species and any observed symptoms.
- Complete the laboratory’s submission form, indicating the desired tests (e.g., species identification, PCR panel for bacterial and viral agents).
- Ship the package using a certified carrier, adhering to biological material regulations.
Choosing a laboratory depends on geographic location, required turnaround time and the specific pathogens of interest. Federal and state reference labs provide the broadest test menus and expert interpretation, while commercial providers deliver faster results for routine panels. Academic facilities may be appropriate for research‑oriented investigations.