Uniwersytet Warszawski
Not all ticks transmit pathogenic microorganisms. In order to determine this, it is necessary to carry out laboratory tests for the presence of specific
pathogens in the tick.
If you want to find out if a tick that has bitten you or your pet carries dangerous pathogens, send us your tick for testing.
1 What tools can you use to remove the tick?
You can remove the tick without any additional tools just by using your fingers, but NOTE! it is advisable to do this with disposable gloves to avoid skin contact with the tick's damaged tissues and to reduce the possibility of contracting the virus. It is best to use cosmetic tweezers. Special lassoes, hooks called tick traps or a special suction pump can also be used.
2 Technique
It is important that the tick is grasped as close to the skin as possible. This prevents the arachnid from being crushed and thus releasing potentially dangerous body fluids. It is best to pull the tick out slowly, avoiding violent jerks.
3. the most important rules for tick removal
Do not twist or jerk the tick.
Before removing the tick, do not apply any remedies, ointments or creams to the site of the bite (this can provoke the tick to increase the secretion of saliva with pathogens into the wound!).
Disinfect the bite site after removing the arachnid.
If you notice redness, increasing swelling at the bite site or so-called erythema migrans, go to the doctor as soon as possible.
4 Packing the tick
Freeze the tick in a plastic bag in the freezer (-20'C) for at least 24 hours.
Pack the tick (it can be thawed) with a piece of paper with details: what animal it was taken from, date, place, return address. You can use a simple string bag or a small plastic bag for this.
5 Shipping
Send the ticks to:
Zakład Eko-epidemiologii Chorób Pasożytniczych
Wydział Biologii
Uniwersytet Warszawski
Ilji Miecznikowa 1, 02-096 Warszawa