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Tick Testing

First, the good news, not all ticks carry pathogenic organisms.

Unfortunately, you won't be able to tell which ones are carriers just by looking at them.

Generally, 15-20% of black-legged tick nymphs and 50% of adult females are infected with Lyme disease spirochetes. Infection prevalence for other pathogens are typically lower and vary by region.

Tick testing can be a useful aid in deciding whether or not to treat in the absence of disease symptoms. Remember, that just because the tick is positive does not mean that the pathogen was transmitted. Review steps 7, 8 and 9 in Tick Bite-ology to help determine the duration of tick attachment.

Tick testing typically is only needed for black-legged ticks. Various labs are available to identify your tick and test it for the presence of Lyme disease spirochetes, and Babesia and/or Anaplasma (Ehrlichia) parasites.

Most tick testing involves amplification of pathogen specific DNA using a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay. Typically, ticks are submitted for testing by placing them in a sealed zip-lock bag and sending via overnight or priority carrier or UPS. Most of the companies ask that you send the tick in along with your name, address, phone number (with area code), and payment. You may want to check with the lab for any additional specifics.