Tick Removal

How To Safely Remove A Tick

The first step toward preventing Lyme and co-infections after a tick bite

Your risk of tick-borne infection increases with time (while the tick remains attached). Check for ticks daily and remove ticks immediately.

University of Manitoba tick expert Kateryn Rochon explains the proper way to remove a tick.

Watch here.

How To Remove A Tick With Tweezers

Tick Removal Using Tweezers
Source: https://www.cdc.gov/lyme/removal/index.html
  • Grasp the tick close to the skin.
  • Pull upward with steady, even pressure. If portions of the tick’s mouth-parts remain, remove it with tweezers.
  • After removing the tick, clean the bite area and your hands.
  • Save your tick in a sealed plastic bag and store in the refrigerator or freezer.

Save Your Tick!

Tick testing for Lyme disease awareness and prevention

Borrelia burgdorferi (Lyme disease) carried by deer tick (also called backlegged tick or Ixodes scapularis) and the Western backlegged tick (Ixodes pacificus) can be detected in a single tick using polymerase chain reaction (PCR). If done correctly, this DNA-based assay is both accurate and highly sensitive (detecting < 20 copies of target DNA).

 

However, once transmitted to your system, Lyme is quickly diluted in your blood and then concentrated in connective tissues. Thus, DNA-based assays are not effective for Borrelia detection in human blood during late-stage infection. In contrast, serological tests used for clinical diagnosis of Lyme rely upon your immune system response. This can take weeks to reach detectable levels and results may vary greatly among individuals. Unfortunately, serology has failed many individuals suffering from chronic Lyme disease. Consequently, misdiagnosis and inadequate treatment are common among these groups. Hence, results from tick testing provides additional information for treatment decisions related to Lyme and other tick-borne infections.

 

In our effort to bring both Lyme awareness and prevention to your communities, we offer tick testing services. Our goal is to make tick removal, identification and testing both accessible and affordable after a tick bite.

Tick Testing in 3 Easy Steps

First step of tick testing

Step 1

Save your tick in a plastic bag.

Second step of tick testing

Step 2

Order your test online.

Third step of tick testing

Step 3

Send it to our lab.

SOS! If you or a family member have been bitten by a tick, testing it for Lyme and other tick-borne diseases may aid in immediate medical decisions. It’s easy! Simply remove and save your tick in a Ziploc bag, order a Universal Tick Test online and then send us your specimen using supplies from home.

Results will be emailed to you within 24-72 hr after we receive your specimen by choosing the PRIORITY option at checkout.

Questions?

Please contact Ticknology. We will respond within 24 hours.