Essay On Tick Testing
What Is Tick testing? –
Tick testing is a laboratory process in which a tick is tested for the presence of pathogens that cause tick-borne diseases like Lyme disease. Using a high-tech method called PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction), we can determine the presence of any pathogen with an accuracy level of over 99.9%.
Tick-borne diseases are a growing problem nationwide, and in many cases victims have no idea they have been infected until symptoms begin to develop days or even weeks after the bite. By having the tick that bit you tested for tick-borne diseases, you can better determine your risk for contracting various diseases and make treatment decisions with your doctor.
In many states, probable cause is required for a doctor to proactively treat …show more content…
a tick-borne disease. A positive tick test provides probable cause, and enables you to speak to your doctor about pre-emptive treatments that may even help you avoid symptoms completely.
How does tick testing work?
The TickChek tick testing process involves a three-step procedure called Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) that requires at least two days to be completed by our laboratory technicians. When a tick arrives, we immediately work to identify it and determine how long it has been attached. Once completed, testing for specific pathogens can begin.
PCR involves extracting DNA from the tick, amplifying the DNA, and using gel electrophoresis to create a visualization of the extracted DNA.
Then, lab technicians analyse the DNA and look for sequences that match the DNA of pathogens which cause diseases like Lyme. If these special DNA signatures are found, we can confirm that the tick carries that particular disease. For a detailed walkthrough of our process, see "How does tick testing work?".
How accurate is your tick testing process?
TickChek uses Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR), an extremely accurate method of DNA testing, to determine the presence of the bacteria in your tick which cause Lyme and other diseases. Using our modern methods, our test results are over 99.9% accurate.
If my tick test returns positive, does that mean I have the disease?
Tick testing can conform with very high accuracy which diseases are carried by the tick that bit you. However, just because an infected tick bit you does not necessarily mean that you will contract the disease. In general, the longer the tick was attached to you the larger your chances of contraction. With this in mind, a positive tick test result implies that there is a very strong probability that you contracted the
disease.
It is important to also realize that a negative result does not necessarily mean you will not contract any disease. You could have been exposed to other diseases you did not order a test for, or you could have been bitten by another tick which you did not find. We highly recommend that you discuss your test results with your doctor, and monitor yourself closely for the signs of Lyme and other tick-borne diseases.
TickChek has an easy-to use online tick testing order form to allow you to quickly have your tick tested for any tick-borne disease. Just navigate to the order form, choose the diseases you would like us to test your tick for, and enter your contact and payment information.
Once you have completed your order, you will be sent a receipt and mailing label you can use to mail your tick in to our laboratory. Send your tick to us in a small plastic bag, and we will provide you with your test results within 72 hours after we receive your tick.
TickChek is proud to have a 72-hour testing turnaround, the fastest in the industry. Once our lab receives your tick specimen, we will complete all of the tests you requested and send your results report within three business days or less.
The exact amount of time your tests take to complete depends on when your specimen arrives and the current workload in our laboratory. You can speed up the delivery process by sending your specimen to us via overnight mail or a delivery service like UPS or FexEx. If you need your results even faster you can also order priority processing, which will move your tests to the front of our work queue immediately once we receive your specimen.
You will be kept notified of your test's status via text message and email when your order has completed, once we receive your tick, and again when test results are complete. You can always check your order's status at any time by entering your name and Test ID (which is included in your receipt and confirmation email) in our online order status check tool.
How will TickChek send me my test results?
When your results are available, TickChek will send an SMS to the contact number you provided on the order form. Your full laboratory results will be sent to you via email, and a copy of your lab report can be faxed to you or your physician / veterinarian. If you prefer to have us call you with your results and answer any questions you may have, you can choose a lab technician callback under the "Add Ons" section of the TickChek order form.
Yes! At no extra charge, you can send us up to five ticks of the same species, taken off of the same person or pet. We will run the exact same tests you ordered on all of these specimens, at the same time. When you get your results, they will reflect whether *any* tick in the group of ticks you sent us is a carrier of each specific disease we test for. Because we will test all of the ticks at once, please note that it is not possible to tell which tick(s) are carriers of which diseases. If you have multiple ticks from different people or pets, please place multiple orders.
Can you send a copy of my test results to my physician or veterinarian?
When you place your order, you can include the fax number of your physician, veterinarian, or any other medical professional who you would like to receive a copy of your tick test laboratory results. A full copy of your lab report will be faxed to this number immediately once your results have been finalized.
How much does tick testing cost?
TickChek offers tick testing services as discounted packages ranging from $48 to $175, and as individual tests for $50 apiece. To keep costs low, we have bundled some of our most common and highly recommended tests into tick testing packages including our Triple Play (tests for three of the most common tick-borne diseases) and the Comprehensive Diagnostic Panel (tests for everything).
Packages are the most cost-efficient way to test your tick for the most commonly found tick borne diseases. If you only want to test your tick for one or two specific diseases, you can order your tests individually. For our full pricing list, see the TickChek order form.
To properly remove a tick, grasp nearest to the head as possible with sharp tweezers or a tick remover. Pull straight out with a steady, even pressure. Do not squeeze or twist the body - this could cause the tick's mouth-parts to break off an remain embedded in the bite. Don't cover the tick in soap or any other substance. Once the tick has been removed, put it in a plastic bag and clean the bite area with an antiseptic swab.
It's important to identify the species of tick that bit you, because different tick species commonly carry different diseases. To help you identify your tick, TickChek has a handy tick identification guide.
If you can't identify your tick yourself, choose one of our tick testing packages and choose "I want the lab to identify my tick" under the Tick Identification tab. Our lab technicians will identify your tick for you, and test for the diseases most commonly found in that species of tick.
How long does a tick have to be attached to transmit diseases?
Tick-borne diseases are transmitted to the host as the tick feeds. The longer a tick is attached the higher the chance of transmitting disease, so the likelihood of being infected by a tick that just recently attached is relatively low. The more engorged a tick has become, the longer the tick has likely been embedded and the higher the chance of disease transmission.
Scientific studies have shown that Borrelia burgdorferi (Lyme disease) usually requires 18-24 hours to be transmitted from tick to host and that Rickettsia rickettsii (Rocky Mountain spotted fever) usually requires at least 6. Though there are no current studies looking at transmission times of most other tick-borne pathogens, it is probable that the tick must be attached for an ample amount of time for infection to occur.
Do I have to send the tick in for testing immediately after it bites me?
No - PCR testing tests the DNA of the tick, and can be done successfully days or even weeks after the tick has bitten you. The tick does not have to be alive or even intact, but the integrity of the tick's DNA could be compromised if it was burned or covered in a solution like soap.
While we can test ticks at any time after they were removed from the host, the sooner you can send us the tick the better. The symptoms of many tick-borne diseases take several weeks to develop, and a prompt tick test can provide the information you and your doctor need to decide on pre-emptive treatment options even before symptoms occur.
What if I lost or destroyed the tick that bit me?
PCR tick testing requires us to have a tick to test. If you threw away, lost, or destroyed the tick we will not be able to do a laboratory tick test. In this case, your best option is to monitor the bitten individual closely for symptoms of Lyme disease and other tick-borne diseases, and visit your doctor immediately for a blood test if any symptoms start to develop. Remember to save ticks in a small plastic baggie in the future so you have the option of getting the tick tested.
Where can I learn more about Lyme disease and other tick-borne diseases?
TickChek provides a variety of free resources about Lyme and other tick-borne diseases. For information about all of the tick-borne diseases we test for, see
Does TickChek accept insurance payments?
Unfortunately, we are unable to accept insurance payments for tick testing services. If your insurance provider offers reimbursements for out-of-pocket expenses, you may be able to have your testing fees covered but TickChek is unable to guarantee or assist in the process.
I already placed an order. Can I add more tests?
Yes, you can always add additional tests to your order even after you have sent in your tick. We keep all ticks on file for three years because we know that many people want to test for additional diseases if they get a positive result for one disease, or notice symptoms after getting a negative result. Please contact TickChek support with your Order Number, contact information, and the additional tests you would like to order.
How is my personal information kept safe?
TickChek.com takes all necessary precautions to keep all of your personal information safe and secure. Although tick testing results are not considered medical records, TickChek is fully HIPAA compliant out of an abundance of caution. Our website supports 128-bit SSL encryption, and all online payments are securely processed by PayPal.
Your personal information will never be sold or released to an unrelated third party unless required by law. We may use test results to support scientific research on Lyme and other tick-borne diseases, but all personal information is kept anonymous. For more information, see TickChek's privacy policy.
I have a question about my order. How do I contact you?
If you need to check the status of your test, you can use our automated Test Status Lookup Tool 24/7 to see how your tests are progressing. Please only contact us to ask about your test status if you never received confirmation that we received your mailed tick, or if it has been over four days since we received the tick and you have not received a status update.
If you have another question about your order or our tick testing services, TickChek offers phone support at 1-866-713-TICK during regular business hours. You can also email a support request at any time with the TickChek Support Request Form. We will get back to you as quickly as possible.
________________________________________
Tick testing is a laboratory process in which a tick is tested for the presence of pathogens that cause tick-borne diseases like Lyme disease. Using a high-tech method called PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction), we can determine the presence of any pathogen with an accuracy level of over 99.9%.
Tick-borne diseases are a growing problem nationwide, and in many cases victims have no idea they have been infected until symptoms begin to develop days or even weeks after the bite. By having the tick that bit you tested for tick-borne diseases, you can better determine your risk for contracting various diseases and make treatment decisions with your doctor.
In many states, probable cause is required for a doctor to proactively treat …show more content…
a tick-borne disease. A positive tick test provides probable cause, and enables you to speak to your doctor about pre-emptive treatments that may even help you avoid symptoms completely.
How does tick testing work?
The TickChek tick testing process involves a three-step procedure called Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) that requires at least two days to be completed by our laboratory technicians. When a tick arrives, we immediately work to identify it and determine how long it has been attached. Once completed, testing for specific pathogens can begin.
PCR involves extracting DNA from the tick, amplifying the DNA, and using gel electrophoresis to create a visualization of the extracted DNA.
Then, lab technicians analyse the DNA and look for sequences that match the DNA of pathogens which cause diseases like Lyme. If these special DNA signatures are found, we can confirm that the tick carries that particular disease. For a detailed walkthrough of our process, see "How does tick testing work?".
How accurate is your tick testing process?
TickChek uses Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR), an extremely accurate method of DNA testing, to determine the presence of the bacteria in your tick which cause Lyme and other diseases. Using our modern methods, our test results are over 99.9% accurate.
If my tick test returns positive, does that mean I have the disease?
Tick testing can conform with very high accuracy which diseases are carried by the tick that bit you. However, just because an infected tick bit you does not necessarily mean that you will contract the disease. In general, the longer the tick was attached to you the larger your chances of contraction. With this in mind, a positive tick test result implies that there is a very strong probability that you contracted the
disease.
It is important to also realize that a negative result does not necessarily mean you will not contract any disease. You could have been exposed to other diseases you did not order a test for, or you could have been bitten by another tick which you did not find. We highly recommend that you discuss your test results with your doctor, and monitor yourself closely for the signs of Lyme and other tick-borne diseases.
TickChek has an easy-to use online tick testing order form to allow you to quickly have your tick tested for any tick-borne disease. Just navigate to the order form, choose the diseases you would like us to test your tick for, and enter your contact and payment information.
Once you have completed your order, you will be sent a receipt and mailing label you can use to mail your tick in to our laboratory. Send your tick to us in a small plastic bag, and we will provide you with your test results within 72 hours after we receive your tick.
TickChek is proud to have a 72-hour testing turnaround, the fastest in the industry. Once our lab receives your tick specimen, we will complete all of the tests you requested and send your results report within three business days or less.
The exact amount of time your tests take to complete depends on when your specimen arrives and the current workload in our laboratory. You can speed up the delivery process by sending your specimen to us via overnight mail or a delivery service like UPS or FexEx. If you need your results even faster you can also order priority processing, which will move your tests to the front of our work queue immediately once we receive your specimen.
You will be kept notified of your test's status via text message and email when your order has completed, once we receive your tick, and again when test results are complete. You can always check your order's status at any time by entering your name and Test ID (which is included in your receipt and confirmation email) in our online order status check tool.
How will TickChek send me my test results?
When your results are available, TickChek will send an SMS to the contact number you provided on the order form. Your full laboratory results will be sent to you via email, and a copy of your lab report can be faxed to you or your physician / veterinarian. If you prefer to have us call you with your results and answer any questions you may have, you can choose a lab technician callback under the "Add Ons" section of the TickChek order form.
Yes! At no extra charge, you can send us up to five ticks of the same species, taken off of the same person or pet. We will run the exact same tests you ordered on all of these specimens, at the same time. When you get your results, they will reflect whether *any* tick in the group of ticks you sent us is a carrier of each specific disease we test for. Because we will test all of the ticks at once, please note that it is not possible to tell which tick(s) are carriers of which diseases. If you have multiple ticks from different people or pets, please place multiple orders.
Can you send a copy of my test results to my physician or veterinarian?
When you place your order, you can include the fax number of your physician, veterinarian, or any other medical professional who you would like to receive a copy of your tick test laboratory results. A full copy of your lab report will be faxed to this number immediately once your results have been finalized.
How much does tick testing cost?
TickChek offers tick testing services as discounted packages ranging from $48 to $175, and as individual tests for $50 apiece. To keep costs low, we have bundled some of our most common and highly recommended tests into tick testing packages including our Triple Play (tests for three of the most common tick-borne diseases) and the Comprehensive Diagnostic Panel (tests for everything).
Packages are the most cost-efficient way to test your tick for the most commonly found tick borne diseases. If you only want to test your tick for one or two specific diseases, you can order your tests individually. For our full pricing list, see the TickChek order form.
To properly remove a tick, grasp nearest to the head as possible with sharp tweezers or a tick remover. Pull straight out with a steady, even pressure. Do not squeeze or twist the body - this could cause the tick's mouth-parts to break off an remain embedded in the bite. Don't cover the tick in soap or any other substance. Once the tick has been removed, put it in a plastic bag and clean the bite area with an antiseptic swab.
It's important to identify the species of tick that bit you, because different tick species commonly carry different diseases. To help you identify your tick, TickChek has a handy tick identification guide.
If you can't identify your tick yourself, choose one of our tick testing packages and choose "I want the lab to identify my tick" under the Tick Identification tab. Our lab technicians will identify your tick for you, and test for the diseases most commonly found in that species of tick.
How long does a tick have to be attached to transmit diseases?
Tick-borne diseases are transmitted to the host as the tick feeds. The longer a tick is attached the higher the chance of transmitting disease, so the likelihood of being infected by a tick that just recently attached is relatively low. The more engorged a tick has become, the longer the tick has likely been embedded and the higher the chance of disease transmission.
Scientific studies have shown that Borrelia burgdorferi (Lyme disease) usually requires 18-24 hours to be transmitted from tick to host and that Rickettsia rickettsii (Rocky Mountain spotted fever) usually requires at least 6. Though there are no current studies looking at transmission times of most other tick-borne pathogens, it is probable that the tick must be attached for an ample amount of time for infection to occur.
Do I have to send the tick in for testing immediately after it bites me?
No - PCR testing tests the DNA of the tick, and can be done successfully days or even weeks after the tick has bitten you. The tick does not have to be alive or even intact, but the integrity of the tick's DNA could be compromised if it was burned or covered in a solution like soap.
While we can test ticks at any time after they were removed from the host, the sooner you can send us the tick the better. The symptoms of many tick-borne diseases take several weeks to develop, and a prompt tick test can provide the information you and your doctor need to decide on pre-emptive treatment options even before symptoms occur.
What if I lost or destroyed the tick that bit me?
PCR tick testing requires us to have a tick to test. If you threw away, lost, or destroyed the tick we will not be able to do a laboratory tick test. In this case, your best option is to monitor the bitten individual closely for symptoms of Lyme disease and other tick-borne diseases, and visit your doctor immediately for a blood test if any symptoms start to develop. Remember to save ticks in a small plastic baggie in the future so you have the option of getting the tick tested.
Where can I learn more about Lyme disease and other tick-borne diseases?
TickChek provides a variety of free resources about Lyme and other tick-borne diseases. For information about all of the tick-borne diseases we test for, see
Does TickChek accept insurance payments?
Unfortunately, we are unable to accept insurance payments for tick testing services. If your insurance provider offers reimbursements for out-of-pocket expenses, you may be able to have your testing fees covered but TickChek is unable to guarantee or assist in the process.
I already placed an order. Can I add more tests?
Yes, you can always add additional tests to your order even after you have sent in your tick. We keep all ticks on file for three years because we know that many people want to test for additional diseases if they get a positive result for one disease, or notice symptoms after getting a negative result. Please contact TickChek support with your Order Number, contact information, and the additional tests you would like to order.
How is my personal information kept safe?
TickChek.com takes all necessary precautions to keep all of your personal information safe and secure. Although tick testing results are not considered medical records, TickChek is fully HIPAA compliant out of an abundance of caution. Our website supports 128-bit SSL encryption, and all online payments are securely processed by PayPal.
Your personal information will never be sold or released to an unrelated third party unless required by law. We may use test results to support scientific research on Lyme and other tick-borne diseases, but all personal information is kept anonymous. For more information, see TickChek's privacy policy.
I have a question about my order. How do I contact you?
If you need to check the status of your test, you can use our automated Test Status Lookup Tool 24/7 to see how your tests are progressing. Please only contact us to ask about your test status if you never received confirmation that we received your mailed tick, or if it has been over four days since we received the tick and you have not received a status update.
If you have another question about your order or our tick testing services, TickChek offers phone support at 1-866-713-TICK during regular business hours. You can also email a support request at any time with the TickChek Support Request Form. We will get back to you as quickly as possible.
________________________________________