Spring 2008 update (April 14, 2008) With the warming weather, we are starting to receive a steady stream of ticks. We open the mail on Monday afternoon and begin processing samples that evening. Results of testing are generally transmitted by Thursday. Samples received after Monday will be tested the following week. Please note that samples go through the UMass mail system which can delay delivery by a day. We are sorry, but we cannot accomodate special handling of individual samples outside of this time schedule. |
Lyme Disease Diagnostics
UMass Extension, in cooperation with researchers at UMass Amherst, will assess specimens to determine whether they are black legged ticks (deer ticks), and if so, will determine whether or not they carry the bacterium that causes Lyme Disease.
There is a fee of $35 per sample.
The test can detect the Lyme disease pathogen from a single tick.
To submit a sample, download the submission form and follow the instructions.
Address packages to:
UMass Extension Diagnostic Lab
Tick Assessment
Holdsworth Natural Resources Center, 160 Holdsworth Way
University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA 01003-9285
Use exact address to ensure delivery.
For specific information, contact:
Dr. Craig Hollingsworth, (413) 545-1055,
chollingsworth@umext.umass.edu
About the diagnostic test
Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing detects the genetic material (DNA) of the Lyme disease bacteria. If a tick contains the bacterium that causes Lyme disease, the test will give a positive result. If the tick does not contain the bacterium, we will receive a negative result. The test will NOT indicate whether the tick has transmitted the disease. This depends on the amount of bacterium it is carrying and how long it has fed. A negative result however should assure individual that disease transmission from a particular tick is not expected.
The Massachusetts Department of Public Health offers the following advice with regard to tick test results.
- Tests performed on the ticks are not perfect and they do not test for all infections ticks may be carrying. Therefore, even with a negative result, people should still monitor themselves for the appearance of rash, fever or other unusual symptoms and immediately seek the advice of a health care provider should any symptoms occur.
- If someone has been infected by a tick bite, symptoms may begin to occur even before the results of tick testing are available. People should not to wait for tick testing results before seeking medical advice should any symptoms develop.
- A positive test on a tick is not an automatic indication that treatment is needed. A positive test indicates that the tick was infected but not that the tick was successful in spreading the infection to the person bitten. The longer a tick is attached to you, the greater the chance that it will spread infection. Discuss any positive test results with your health care provider.
