New York State Department of Health Tick Identification Service

Tick identification services are available through the NYS Department of Health and some county health departments. The NYS Department of Health Tick Identification Service will tell you the species of the tick, whether it is engorged with blood and, if so, how long it may have been feeding. The Tick Identification Service will also report whether the mouthparts are present (if not, they may have remained in the skin and need to be removed, as you would a splinter). There is no charge for this service.

The NYS Tick Identification Service will not tell you whether the tick is infected with disease-causing organisms. Once you send a tick to be identified it will not be returned. If you wish to have a tick identified, place it in a small jar containing rubbing alcohol. Seal the container to prevent leakage. The New York State Department of Health Tick Identification Service can not accept live specimens or specimens submitted in formalin solution. Only specimens sent in alcohol will be identified by the lab. Complete the Tick Identification Submittal Form. Mail the tick in the sealed container, along with the completed Tick Identification Submittal form to:

Specimens being mailed via United State Postal Service will need to be sent to:

  • Tick Identification Service
    ATTN: Melissa Prusinski C-461
    Bureau of Communicable Disease Control
    Wadsworth Center Biggs Laboratory
    New York State Department of Health
    PO Box 509
    Empire State Plaza
    Albany, NY 12201 - 0509
    Phone: (518) 402-5592

Specimens being delivered by courier need to be taken to:

  • Tick Identification Service
    ATTN: Melissa Prusinski
    David Axelrod Institute
    Wadsworth Center
    120 New Scotland Avenue
    Albany, New York 12208
    Phone: (518) 402-5592

When dropping off tick specimens in person for identification, please follow posted signs to the specimen drop off area in the rear of the David Axelrod Institute. Enter the double doors from the loading dock area, and deliver specimens to the mail/receiving area (on left). The security office (on right) will also accept tick specimens in the event that no one is available in the mail/receiving area.

Questions about the Tick Identification Service should be directed to (518) 402-5592.

Deliveries will be accepted weekdays between the hours of 8am and 4pm. The Wadsworth Center is closed on legal holidays.

For more information on tick-borne diseases, contact your county health department.