At Expo West 2022 NJ Labs Talks About Ticks & Disease

Once considered a regional issue, tick season, which officially takes place between April and October, is now a national concern due to the migration of these insects and the frequency in which people travel and opt for outdoor adventures. Although Lyme disease is the most known tick-borne disease, it is not the only tick-borne pathogen out there, which is why NJ Labs recommends testing for other tick-borne pathogens including: Rickettsiosis, a spotted fever, or Ehrlichiosis, a potential breathing and blood disorder.<br /><br />“When it comes to finding ticks, people worry most about Lyme disease and as a result, the market focus is on promoting Lyme disease testing. However, other tick species carry different types of tick-borne pathogens that can be just as dangerous to your health,” said Sandra Lee, CEO of NJ Labs whose analytical testing lab offers tick collection testing kits under the name Tick SURE. “Our tick collection testing kit is designed to avoid expensive, in-person lab visits by giving broad-range, quick results at a reduced cost.”<br /><br />Deer ticks are the only ticks that carry Lyme disease, however, there are many other tick species that can also cause virus-like symptoms including headaches, fever, fatigue, chills and muscle aches. If a tick has bitten you or your pet, Lee says you should make sure that the tick is tested for the most common tick-borne pathogens, in addition to Lyme disease, using a DNA-based method to test with a higher specificity.<br /><br />“It’s important to know the bug that bit you,” says Lee. “This old adage is especially true when it comes to tick bites, because when you know the specific species of the bug that bit you, you can test for every tick-borne pathogen known to that species, not just Lyme disease. This way you are covering every possible compromised health issue.”<br /><br />As an advocate for consumer safety, Lee can provide an insider’s look at testing practices and the nuances of what the science behind testing actually requires in order to make every-