Effective January 1, 2006, we will accept all ticks for identification but test only those Ixodes scapularis ticks that have ingested human blood. We will examine all ticks for degree of engorgement. Laboratory personnel will test engorged black-legged ("deer") ticks (Ixodes scapularis) and, upon special request, certain other species of ticks for the presence of spirochetes that cause Lyme disease. We will not test the American dog tick (Dermacentor variabilis), larval ticks of all species, or unengorged ticks.

·        Ticks should be submitted by residents to their municipal health departments. The health departments will then submit them to us with a request for identification and/or testing for the Lyme disease agent.

·        Ticks will be accepted only from residents of Connecticut.

·        The following information should accompany the tick: Name, address, and telephone number of person submitting the tick; name, age, and sex of person bitten; date tick was removed; part of body where tick was found; town in which tick was acquired.

Revised 12/2005