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.

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

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