Tick Submission Guidelines
Tick Testing in 3 Easy Steps
Step 1
Save your tick in a plastic bag.
Step 2
Order your test online.
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.
How do I get my tick tested?
1. Secure each tick (dead or alive) in a clean, dry Ziploc bag. Keep the body intact. If the tick is alive then double-bag it for added security.
- Do not wrap the tick in paper or tissue
- Avoid excess moisture-avoid pooling water or droplets in the bag
- Avoid mold
- Store in the fridge (if possible)
- Use bubble wrap for engorged ticks
- When in doubt, sending/storing the tick in a dry bag is preferred.
2. Order the Universal Tick Test online and receive your order number.
- You can print out our form (available at checkout) or write the number down
- Check your email inbox/spam/funk folder - an automatic email with your order information will be sent to you.
3. Label & Ship
- Write the specimen name and the order number on each specimen bag. On a separate piece of paper, include your name and contact information (found on printable form).
- Place the bag(s) inside a reinforced or padded envelope. Small boxes are acceptable.
- We accept USPS, UPS or FedEx (10AM-5PM). Track your envelope and do not require a signature for delivery!
- Send to:
TICKNOLOGY, LLC
425 John Deere Dr. STE 5
Fort Collins, CO 80524
Multiple specimens?
Scenario 1: 2 ticks are combined for one set of results: place each specimen in a separate baggie so we recover them all. There is a maximum of 2 ticks per test and they must be approximately the same size. Order 1 tick test at checkout (Qty 1). If you have 3 ticks, place each in a separate baggie, order 2 tests (Qty. =2) and indicate which of the 2 ticks you would like to combine. *In general, this cost saving approach is not recommended. DNA activity/quality cannot be determined for individual ticks when combining ticks in a single reaction.
Scenario 2: Ticks are tested separately for separate results (recommended): place each specimen in separate baggies and label each with a unique identifier for example "John" and "Jane" or "A" and "B". Order one tick test for each tick (Qty. >1).
**Adjust postage for the additional weight.
Shipping - Dos & Don'ts
DO:
- Write order# or name/email address/phone # on the specimen bag or paper included in the envelope.
- IF using United States Postal Service (USPS), then PRIORITY Express mail is preferred.
- Ship your specimen in a padded, cardboard or reinforced envelope.
- Transfer your specimen(s) to individual Ziploc bag(s) (rather than a container).
- Track your envelope.
- Add more postage if the envelope ***exceeds ¼ inch thickness*** (First Class USPS (not preferred)).
DO NOT (may cause delay (1 business day):
- Certified mail (signature required).
- Special AM deliveries- delivery attempts before 10AM are unreliable.
- Use tape to secure the tick.
- Send medium or large size boxes.
Most Common Mistakes:
Excessive water- do not have pooling water or soaking wet paper towel in your specimen bag. In most cases dry is better for better test results.
DO NOT wrap your tick in a soaking wet paper towel- the contents of your tick will get diluted and lost in the paper towel or pooling water.
The wrong name is provided with the specimen and/or hand written order number-if you do not have a printout with your order number, we require 2 ways to match your specimen with your account. Always include account information such as name, email address, billing address, phone number or order number.
Directions are not followed when submitting multiple specimens-We only combine 2 specimens for a single test for a single set of results. If you send us more ticks than the number of tests ordered - your test will be delayed as we try to contact you. See our directions above and include a detailed note if necessary.
Not enough postage for USPS stamped mail- the postal will leave a pink slip for stamped envelopes over 1/4" thick- thick envelopes are considered 'parcels' and are charged ~$3.50. This will significantly delay your test. These envelopes remain at the post office and require in-person pick up and payment for the postage.
Did not track your envelope-wondering why you have not been contacted by Ticknology about your specimen? Your specimen is most likely lost or delayed.
Tick explodes in the bag- engorged ticks should be protected using padding and reinforced envelopes. Your mail may go through rollers and large ticks can be crushed.
Tick escapes from the bag-There are defects in plastic bags that you may not see. Double bag your specimen to avoid escape or damage.
Excessive packaging- Keep it simple. Excessive tape, boxes within boxes, envelopes within envelopes- are often not necessary and can become cumbersome to our staff. Please keep this in mind when preparing your specimen.
Sending extra specimens - sending extra specimens that aren't meant for immediate testing will cause confusion and delay.
You will be notified by email when your tick has arrived.
Test results will be emailed to you within 24-72 hr by choosing Priority Processing at checkout.
Questions?
Please contact Ticknology. We will respond within 24 hours.