Our Testing Process

Why use Geneticks’ tick testing service?

When it comes to Lyme disease, early detection and treatment are essential. It is currently estimated that up to 60% of Lyme disease cases in North America become chronic. This is largely due to a lack of early detection, diagnoses, and appropriate treatment. As Lyme disease becomes chronic, it becomes increasingly debilitating and costly to patients, as well as increasingly difficult to treat.

At Geneticks, it is our goal to assist Canadians in the process of early detection. By providing individuals with information on the microbial species present in submitted ticks, we are arming Canadians with vital information that can be used to assess their potential exposure to tick–borne pathogens. This information gives Canadians a better chance at both early detection of tick-borne illnesses, and improved health outcomes*.

*Though the detection of pathogen DNA in submitted ticks does indicate the presence of select pathogens in the tick, it DOES NOT provide any information on transmission or potential infection with these pathogens. To make the best use of the information provided by Geneticks, it is highly recommended that individuals review these results with a trained and certified Healthcare practitioner.

How does the testing of ticks work?

For each tick received, we will return information by email to customers about the presence of select tick-borne pathogens within the submitted tick. In order to assess the presence of pathogens in these ticks, Geneticks utilizes a Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) based procedure capable of detecting tiny quantities of DNA.

This procedure allows us to selectively detect even the smallest amounts of relevant DNA, providing insight in to the pathogenic microbes present in each tick.

Customers are asked to follow instructions for properly removing a tick, then place the tick in a resealable plastic bag or container and store it in the freezer prior to submission.

If you have a question about our tick testing process, please use our Contact Us email form.