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Alphabetical Index
Parasite Identification-Worm/Arthropod (Lab001036)
Test Mnemonic:

O IDENT
Specimen Requirements:

Specimen source required.
Collection:

1. Submit whole  worms or worm segments in 10% formalin in a clean container. Submit as large a segment as possible. include patient history.

2. For scabies: Scrape skin from the leading edge of the lesion. Submit scrapings on glass microscope slide. Cover with a clean slide and fasten down to transport. Transport slides in a clean, dry container.

3. For arthropods  (ticks, lice, nits, bed bugs, etc): submit in a clean, dry container.

4. Submit maggots (larvae) in 70% alcohol in a clean container.

 

 
Container:

Clean, leak proof container
Storage/Transport:

Room temperature
Stability:

Indefinitely
Causes for Rejection:

Leaking container, prolonged delay in transit. Specimen container unlabeled or labeled incorrectly. No date and time of collection on requisition form. Stool specimen submitted.
Specimen Preparation:

1. For worm specimens, place in clean dry container and preserve in 10% formalin.

2. Submit maggots (larvae) in 70% alcohol in a clean container.
Methodology:

Macroscopic identification of worms and arthropods; Microscopic identification of scabies
Performed:

Clinical Microbiology
Turnaround Time:

1-3 days
Reference Range:

No parasites seen.

CPT 4 Code:

87169
Note:

Include patient history.
Synonyms:

Worm Identification; Tapeworm; Strongyloides;Intestinal worms; Ectoparasite identification; Tick Identification; Mite Identification; Scabies; Sarcoptes scabiei; Bed Beg; Bot fly; Flea; Lice;Tick; Maggots (fly larva)
Clinical Indication:

Identification of intestinal or other body cavity worms and/or parasite segments. 

Identification of arthropods (scabies, Sarcoptes scabiei, mites, ticks, bed bugs, etc).
Effective Date: 05/02/2024
Reviewed By/Date: Loeffelholz, Michael - 05/30/2018
Approved By/Date: Williams-Bouyer, Natalie - 05/03/2024
When ordering tests for which Medicare or Medicaid reimbursement will be sought, physicians should only order tests that are medically necessary for the diagnosis or treatment of the patient. Components of the organ or disease panels may be ordered individually. The diagnostic information must substantiate all tests ordered and must be in the form of an ICD-10 code or its verbal equivalent.

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