Testing Ticks for Pathogens

[Petee]

The PSU Insect ID Lab offers tick identification but we do not have the resources to test ticks for pathogens. With an identification, a client can know which pathogens a tick species can vector and what disease symptoms they should be on the look out for.

If a client is interested in pathogen testing, you can direct them to the the Northeast Wildlife DNA lab at East Stroudsburg University, which is offering free pathogen testing to PA residents that is being paid for by a grant from the state government. Clients can submit their ticks by filling out a form on the  website TickLab.org and following the instructions there. I sent in a tick that bit me to see how the process worked and it's very smooth and fast. I was emailed and texted the results within a week of the lab receiving the tick.