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Test ticks for Lyme disease

We offer tick testing for Lyme disease and will only test ticks that are vectors for Lyme disease for the Lyme organism. 

A tick on human skin
 How to request a tick test
Follow the directions below for removing and packaging the tick. 
Complete the submission form.
Please call the laboratory at (408) 885-4272 for current pricing. We only accept cash, check and money order. Make checks and money order payable to: Santa Clara County Public Health Laboratory.

Submit tick specimen, form, and payment, either:

  • In-person during our operating hours without an appointment; or
  • By mail - see our address in the grey contact card.

 

How to remove ticks

  1. If a tick is found, remove it immediately. Prompt removal can prevent Lyme disease. 
  2. Use a pair of tweezers to grasp the tick’s mouth-parts. If you do not have tweezers use your fingers, but protect them with a tissue. Do not squash the tick; spirochetes released in fluids may penetrate skin. 
  3. Slowly and steadily pull the tick straight out; do not twist. Remove mouth-parts left in skin (tick mouth-parts have harpoon like barbs that do not screw into skin). 
  4. Do not apply alcohol, fingernail polish, heat (lit match), or petroleum jelly to the tick. Applying heat may cause the tick to regurgitate or secrete saliva, sending disease agents into the bite. 
  5. Clean wound with soap and water. Apply a mild antiseptic if available. 
  6. Save the tick for identification and testing for the Lyme disease spirochete. 
  7. Consult your doctor about treatment, if bitten, and other questions.

Package the tick for testing

  1. Place whole tick, preferably alive, in a small plastic bag, and as soon as possible, mail it or drop it off at the Santa Clara County Public Health Laboratory.
  2. Keep the tick moist in the small plastic bag with a piece of cotton ball damp water.