Tick Testing Information
Tick Mailing Instructions:
A dead tick may be sent in a single ziploc bag. If alive, place the tick in two ziploc bags to prevent escape. A container with a tight seal can also be used. Label the bag/container with your name and send the tick with this form via standard US mail.
Please indicate the requested tests: Individual test – $75 Two or more tests – $65 each Except Viruses.
Virus Testing – Tick Borne Viruses:
- Colorado Tick Fever Virus (Coltivirus) – $195
- Heartland Virus – $195
- Powassan Virus – $195
- Bourbon Virus – $195
All four viruses: $600
We offer the following tests on all species of Ticks
- Lyme – Borrelia burgdorferi
- Borrelia hermsii
- Borrelia afzelii & garinii
- Borrelia lonestari
- Borrelia miyamotoi
- Bartonella species
- Bartonella henselae
- Babesia species (excludes B. duncani)
- Babesia microti
- Babesia duncani
- Ehrlichia chaffeensis & canis
- Anaplasma phagocytophilum
- Ehrlichia ewingii
- Rickettsia species
- Rickettsia rickettsiae
- Rickettsia parkeri
- Francisella tularensis
The tick testing results will be finalized within 1-7 business days from when our laboratories receive the tick. We thank you in advance for your patience.
Instructions for shipping live or dead ticks
If the tick is still alive, secure it inside two zipped plastic bags or a tightly sealed container so it cannot escape. Always protect yourself by wearing gloves when removing a tick from the skin to prevent transmission of pathogens. Below is a complete guide covering tick encounters and necessary next steps after a bite:
TickSmart Prevention – TickEncounter
Do not use tape to immobilize the tick or ticks you captured.
Do not use formalin to preserve captured ticks as it will have a negative impact on PCR test results.
We can pool up to 4 ticks together for testing. This is not recommended for ticks found on separate individuals. When sending multiple ticks, please specify if the ticks should be tested together or separately.
Fill out the Tick Submission Form by downloading from the “Tick Submission Form” link on the left menu bar.
Include the patient’s name, address, phone number, e-mail address and, if you wish, your physicians name and contact information if you would like a copy of the report faxed to him/her. We will send you the final report in PDF format and you will receive a hard copy of the report along with a receipt.
Please call us if you have any questions:877-256-6436 (CLONGEN) or 301-916-0173