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Test ID PARID Parasite Identification, Varies

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

 

Supporting the diagnosis of delusional parasitosis

 

Identifying ticks, including Ixodes species (the vector for Lyme disease)

Method Name

BUG: Arthropod and Artifact Identification

WORMY: Gross and Microscopic Examination

Reporting Name

Parasite Identification

Specimen Type

Varies


Necessary 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 Required


Specimen 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 use a rubber band to hold the 2 slides together. Place the slides in a clean, dry container for transport.

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.


Specimen Minimum Volume

See Specimen Required.

Specimen Stability Information

Specimen Type Temperature Time Special Container
Varies Ambient (preferred)
  Refrigerated 

Reference Values

A descriptive report is provided.

Day(s) and Time(s) Performed

Monday through Friday

Performing Laboratory

Mayo Clinic Laboratories in Rochester

CPT Code Information

87168-Arthropod (if appropriate)

87169-Parasite (if appropriate)

LOINC Code Information

Test ID Test Order Name Order LOINC Value
PARID Parasite Identification 20932-0

 

Result ID Test Result Name Result LOINC Value
PARID Parasite Identification 20932-0

Test Classification

This test uses a standard method. Its performance characteristics were determined by Mayo Clinic in a manner consistent with CLIA requirements. This test has not been cleared or approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

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, ticks, mites, free-living insects).

 

See Parasitic Investigation of Stool Specimens Algorithm in Special Instructions.

Reflex Tests

Test ID Reporting Name Available Separately Always Performed
BUG Arthropod Identification No, (Bill Only) No
WORMY Parasite Identification No, (Bill Only) No

Forms

If not ordering electronically, complete, print, and send a Gastroenterology and Hepatology Client Test Request (T728) with the specimen.

NY State Approved

Yes