What's this test for?

This test is ideal if you're experiencing a suspected tick bite, insect infestation, or you've found an unknown arthropod on your skin, hair, or clothing and want to know what it is. It helps identify whether the specimen could be a disease-carrying pest, like a tick species linked to Lyme disease, or another type of insect causing skin or scalp irritation. Knowing exactly what bit you or what's infesting your space helps you decide on next steps for treatment or prevention.

What's included in this test?

This test involves sending in the actual arthropod or insect specimen for expert examination and identification, rather than measuring biomarkers in your blood. The lab technicians examine the physical features of the specimen to determine its species and whether it's known to carry disease. This matters because knowing exactly what bit you or infested your space helps you understand any health risks and take the right next steps.

What happens after I get my results?

Your results will be available in your account, along with an explanation of what the identified specimen means and whether it's associated with any disease risk. If the arthropod is a type known to spread illness, the report will note simple next steps, like watching for symptoms over the following weeks or considering follow-up testing if you feel unwell. A standard lab report is downloadable directly from your account for your records. You can also track any related results over time using the trends feature.

Who should consider this test?

Anyone who has found a tick, insect, or other small crawling arthropod on their body, in their bedding, or on a pet and wants a certain identification should consider this test. It's especially useful for people who spend time outdoors hiking, camping, or gardening in areas known for ticks. It's also helpful for parents checking a bite on a child or anyone dealing with unexplained skin bumps or scalp itching that might be caused by an insect.

What symptoms indicate I may need this test?

Look out for a new, unexplained bite mark, a small bump with a visible embedded insect, a rash that spreads out from a bite site, or ongoing itching and irritation on your skin or scalp. Finding small bugs in your bedding, hair, or on your pet is another good reason to test. If you also develop fever, fatigue, joint pain, or a bullseye-shaped rash after a bite, that's a sign to seek medical care right away rather than wait for results.

How can I naturally lower my risk of tick and insect bites?

Wearing long sleeves and pants when walking through tall grass or wooded areas can go a long way toward preventing bites. Using insect repellent, showering soon after being outdoors, and doing a full-body check for ticks are simple daily habits that help. Keeping your yard trimmed and pets treated with vet-approved flea and tick prevention also reduces your exposure at home.

When will I get my results?

Results are typically ready within about 7 days of the lab receiving your specimen. Identification of arthropods can take a bit of time since it involves careful examination under lab conditions. You'll see your results as soon as they're finalized in your account, so you can check back or wait for the notification.

What does it mean if the specimen is identified as a tick?

If your specimen is confirmed to be a tick, the report will note the type if possible, since certain species are more likely to carry illnesses like Lyme disease. This doesn't mean you're infected, but it's useful information for deciding whether to monitor for symptoms like rash, fever, or fatigue over the next few weeks. Saving the date and location of the bite can help if you need to discuss timing of any future symptoms.

What should I do if my results show a disease-carrying pest?

If the identified arthropod is a known disease carrier, keep an eye on the bite site and your overall health for the next several weeks. Watch for symptoms such as rash, fever, chills, fatigue, or joint pain, and seek medical care promptly if any of these appear. It's also a good idea to note the date and location of the bite in case it becomes relevant later.

How often should I get an arthropod identified?

There's no routine schedule for this test — it's meant to be used any time you find an unknown bug on your body, pet, or in your home that you're concerned about. If you frequently spend time outdoors or live in an area with high tick or insect activity, it's worth testing each new specimen you're unsure about rather than guessing. Regular pest prevention habits can reduce how often you need this test at all.

Getting your blood test with us is easy, private & backed by the power of science.Long story short: In the test options, use the filters or search box to narrow your choices and find the test you want. If you need a hand navigating through options, text our super friendly support team at 754-799-7833, and we'll provide tailored suggestions to help you find the ideal test. Once your order is placed, we’ll create your doctor’s lab order remotely, without any need for you to make a trip to a doctor in person or to talk to the doctor. Expect to receive your doctor’s lab order right in your inbox. It will also be in your patient portal if you need to find it later. We’ll also include instructions regarding fasting and other requirements for your test. Your patient portal will be auto-created hassle-free during checkout. If this is your first time ordering, you'll be prompted to create a password for instant login access to your patient portal. It's a quick way to conveniently access your orders and results whenever you want. When you’re ready, visit one of our 4,000 locations. Just bring your ID – no printing or faxing of your lab order is needed, as your order and details will already be in the lab system. Note that most lab locations don’t accept walk-ins, so it’s best to book an appointment in advance. Don’t worry – we’ll provide detailed instructions along the way. You’ll get your results via email & SMS and dive into understanding your body better. Yup, that easy! If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com and we'll gladly help you.

How do I know which test to get?

In the test options, find the test you want. If you’re not sure which test to get, we can lend a hand in finding the right option. Just text or call us at 754-799-7833, email us at support@privatemdlabs.com, and we'll gladly help you. We've got your back and reply quickly.

When will my lab results be available?

Most test results will be available within 1–3 business days. Once they're ready, we'll send an email and text message to let you know. After your blood draw, just hang tight and don't worry – we'll keep you updated and in the loop! If you have any further questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com, and we'll gladly help you.

Is it possible to make changes to my lab order if I made a mistake with the name, date of birth, or any other details?

Absolutely! We totally understand that errors can happen. No worries, we're here to help you. Just reach out to us via text at 754-799-7833 or shoot us an email at support@privatemdlabs.com. Remember to include your order number and let us know the correct information you’d like to update. Our awesome team will jump right in and make sure everything is sorted out and accurate for you. There are no changes necessary if your address is wrong on the requisition though. We don’t mail anything out. Our lab requires an address to be listed to generate an order.

Do you accept health insurance?

Only HSA & FSA is accepted. Our services are strictly self-pay and cannot be submitted to your health insurance provider except for Health Savings Accounts or Flexible Savings Accounts. This policy applies to all insurance companies, including federal health insurance programs like Medicare. If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com.

Can I cancel my order?

Yes. We get it – sometimes your needs change. As long as your samples haven’t been collected yet, we’re happy to help you cancel your order. If you have any further questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com. You can read more about our cancellation policy here.

How can I find a lab location near me?

During the ordering process, you’ll be able to select a specific lab near you, with no strings attached! You can switch it up later easily and visit any of our authorized locations as long as it’s the same lab company you selected your test for (Quest Diagnostics or Labcorp). Before you proceed with your order, feel free to browse through all our lab locations here. This will give you the peace of mind of knowing that there's a lab nearby your home, office or your favorite gym. If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com and we'll gladly help you.

Tick & Arthropod ID Test - Bite & Infestation Check

Getting your blood test with us is easy, private & backed by the power of science.

Long story short:

In the test options, use the filters or search box to narrow your choices and find the test you want.
If you need a hand navigating through options, text our super friendly support team at 754-799-7833, and we'll provide tailored suggestions to help you find the ideal test.
Once your order is placed, we’ll create your doctor’s lab order remotely, without any need for you to make a trip to a doctor in person or to talk to the doctor. Expect to receive your doctor’s lab order right in your inbox. It will also be in your patient portal if you need to find it later. We’ll also include instructions regarding fasting and other requirements for your test. Your patient portal will be auto-created hassle-free during checkout.
If this is your first time ordering, you'll be prompted to create a password for instant login access to your patient portal. It's a quick way to conveniently access your orders and results whenever you want.
When you’re ready, visit one of our 4,000 locations. Just bring your ID – no printing or faxing of your lab order is needed, as your order and details will already be in the lab system.
Note that most lab locations don’t accept walk-ins, so it’s best to book an appointment in advance. Don’t worry – we’ll provide detailed instructions along the way.
You’ll get your results via email & SMS and dive into understanding your body better. Yup, that easy!

754-799-7833

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