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HelpTest ID PARID Parasite Identification
Useful For
Gross identification of parasites (eg, worms) and arthropods (eg, ticks, bed bugs, lice, mites)
Detecting or eliminating the suspicion of parasitic infection by identifying suspect material passed in stool or found on the body
Diagnosing delusional parasitosis
Identifying ticks, including Ixodes (carrier of Lyme disease)
Reflex Tests
| Test ID | Reporting Name | Available Separately | Always Performed |
|---|---|---|---|
| BUG | Arthropod Identification | No, (Bill Only) | No |
| WORMY | Parasite Identification | No, (Bill Only) | No |
Testing Algorithm
When this test is ordered, 1 of the 2 reflex tests above will be performed and charged based on whether the object is an arthropod or worm. For parasite artifacts and nonhuman parasites, the reflex test performed will be based on whether the object most closely resembles a worm (eg, mucus strands, food material, fibers) or an arthropod (eg, free-living insects).
Special Instructions
Method Name
BUG: Arthropod and Artifact Identification
WORMY: Gross and Microscopic Examination
Reporting Name
Parasite IdentificationSpecimen Type
VariesSpecimen Type: Parasitic worms, insects, or mites
Container/Tube: Sterile container (10% formalin or 70% alcohol may be added if appropriate specimen type)
Specimen Volume: Entire specimen
Collection Instructions:
1. For scabies, submit skin scrapings on glass microscope slide. Cover with a clean slide and fasten down to transport. Rubber bands work well. Transport slides in a clean, dry container.
2. Submit whole worms and worm segments in 70% alcohol or formalin.
3. Submit arthropods (ticks, lice, nits, bed bugs, etc) in a clean, dry container.
Additional Information:
1. Specimen source and isolate description are required: morphology, tests performed, location of specimen, or other pertinent information.
2. Indicate reason for request.
Specimen Minimum Volume
NA
Specimen Stability Information
| Specimen Type | Temperature | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Varies | Ambient (preferred) | |
| Refrigerated | ||
Clinical Information
Infectious diseases are spread and caused by a variety of macroscopic vectors. A wide array of macroscopic parasites (worms and ectoparasites) and parasite mimics or artifacts may be submitted for examination and identification. It is important to promptly and accurately identify these specimens so that the ordering physician can appropriately treat and counsel the patient.
Reference Values
A descriptive report is provided.
Cautions
This test identifies a tick’s species, age, sex, and level of engorgement. It does not include analysis of ticks for the presence of Borrelia burgdorferi, the agent of Lyme disease.
Day(s) Performed
Monday through Friday
Report Available
1 dayPerforming Laboratory
Mayo Medical Laboratories in Rochester
CPT Code Information
87168-Arthropod (if appropriate)
87169-Parasite (if appropriate)