Effective immediately
The Public Health Laboratory will no longer test the Dermacentor species ticks for the presence of Borrelia burgdorferi. Dermacentor variabilis, also known as the American dog tick, is the most common species found in California.
Studies show that only the Ixodes species ticks can infect a host with B. burgdorferi upon blood-feeding. Ixodes pacificus, also known as the western blacklegged tick, is the most common species found in California. The Public Health Laboratory will continue testing the Ixodes species ticks for B. burgdorferi.
The laboratory will still accept and identify the Dermacentor species ticks. The fee for identification and/or testing will remain the same ($34), regardless of the type of the tick submitted. No refunds will be issued.
The Public Health Laboratory offers bacterial testing for well-water safety and tick identification for Lyme disease upon request.
Note - Ticks are only accepted by mail to:
Napa/Solano/Yolo/Marin Public Health Laboratory
2201 Courage Drive MS 9-200
Fairfield, CA 94533
Fees: Please make checks out to: Public Health Laboratory.
Effective May 8, 2019, the Public Health Lab began accepting online payments. You will still need to complete a laboratory requisition with your submission. The receipt number generated by the online portal must be included on the requisition. Links to the online payment portals appear below:
Tick Payment Portal
Well Water Testing Payment Portal
Tick Identification is $34.00*
See portal for well water testing prices. There is a fee schedule with a list of options available via the well water testing payment portal link above.
*Fees are subject to change without prior notice.
Tick Removal Procedure:
- If possible, have someone else remove the tick from you.
- Use tweezers or forceps rather than your fingers.
- If you must touch tick use a tissue or gloves to protect your hand.
- Grasp the tick's mouthparts as close to the skin as possible.
- Gently pull the tick straight out, steadily and firmly. Do not twist or jerk the tick.
- If mouthparts of the tick break off and remain in your skin, consult your physician.
Tick Collection Procedure:
- Place tick into clean capped container or a zip-lock plastic bag. Place a piece of cotton or tissue moistened with tap water into the container with the tick. (Note: do not use alcohol, formalin or other liquids. Do not stick tick to scotch tape. These materials make testing for the Lyme organism unsatisfactory.)
- Mail tick to Napa/Solano/Yolo/Marin Public Health Laboatory at 2201 Courage Drive MS 9-200, Fairfield, CA 94533.
- Complete a laboratory form and supply the following information:
- Name, address and birth date of person bitten.
- Location of the bite (arm, neck, etc.)
- Date tick removed.
- Estimated duration of time tick was attached (i.e. 4hrs, 24hrs, etc.)
- Geographical location (what city, park, etc.) tick was obtained.
- Phone number, name and address of person to receive report.
- Any obvious symptoms.
