Clongen Labs offer Tick Testing for Lyme's Disease by Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR). This amplification assay simultaneously detects the Flagellin and Outer Surface Protein A genes in Borrelia burgdorferi, the causative agent for Lyme's Disease.

Instructions for shipping live or dead ticks:

1. If the tick is alive, please make sure that you use two zip lock bags or a solid container with a tight seal to avoid loosing the tick in transit. It is highly recommended that you wear gloves when removing the tick from the skin to avoid infection by infected ticks. These are very helpful pages with illustrations on removing ticks:

http://www.health.ri.gov/disease/communicable/lyme/LymeFAQs.pdf http://www2.lymenet.org/domino/file.nsf/UID/FAQ#1

2. Do not use tape to immobilize the tick.

3. Do not use formalin to preserve captured ticks as it will have a negative impact on PCR test results.

4. Fill out the tick testing sample submission form. Include the patient's name, address, phone number as well as e-mail address and if you wish your physicians name and contact information if you would like a copy of the report faxed to your doctor. We will send you the final report in PDF format and you will receive a hard copy of the report along with a receipt.

5. Include a $75 check with the tick or an authorized credit card form.

Forms can be downloaded from the "Forms" link on the left link bar.

Please call us if you have any questions:877-256-6436 (CLONGEN) or 301-916-0173

The gel image below demonstrates the two PCR products that represent the Flagellin and OSPA genes detected in the Multiplex assay.

For Lyme Disease testing details, click here

Frequently asked questions on tick testing:

Q: How long does the tick need to be on the skin in order to transmit the bacteria that causes Lyme's disease (Borrelia burgdorferi)?

A: It has been reported that ticks usually feed for 48 hours before transmitting the bateria to the victim. Improper removal of the tick may increase the chances of infection. Using irritants or squeezing the tick during removal may lead to increased chances of infection by the tick.

Q: If a tick is captured and frozen for a week, is the test still valid?

A: Yes. Bacterial DNA is stable even at room temperature and once the tick dies, the contents of the digestive tract tend to dry up and the test would still be valid.

Q: While removing the tick, it was broken into tiny pieces and all I have left is the legs. Would the legs be enough to run the PCR assay?

A: No. You will need an intact tick with the digestive tract where the bacteria lives. Try not to damage the tick during removal from the skin.

Q: Do I need to send the tick on ice?

A: No. Shipping at room temperature is good enough. Please include padding to protect the tick during transit from being crushed by other packages.

Q: I found a very tiny tick on my son's neck. It is a nymph. Do I need to test this tick given its very young age?

A: Yes. Nymph ticks have been reported to transmit disease although they naturally have a lower infection rate since they would not have been exposed to as many infected animals as older/larger ticks.

Q: I was bitten by a tick. Do I need to start taking antibiotics?

A: You should schedule a doctor's visit and let your family physician decide based on the clinical signs and on the lab. test results of the tick.

Q: I have been bitten by a tick two days ago. How soon should I consider running a Western Blot?

A: It is recommended that you wait three weeks before getting your blood drawn and tested for IgM and IgG. This decision is usually made by your physician.

For more information, visit:

• Centers for Disease Control (CDC) - (970) 221-6400
  www.cdc.gov
• American Lyme Disease Foundation - (800) 876-5963
  www.aldf.com
• Rhode Island Department of Health - (401) 222-2577 www.health.ri.gov/disease/communicable/lyme/index.php
• LymeNet Online Library
• http://www2.lymenet.org/domino/file.nsf/UID/FAQ#1