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)
Test Id | Reporting Name | Available Separately | Always Performed |
---|---|---|---|
BUG | Arthropod Identification | No, (Bill Only) | No |
WORMY | Parasite Identification | No, (Bill Only) | No |
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).
For more information see Parasitic Investigation of Stool Specimens Algorithm.
BUG: Arthropod and Artifact Identification
WORMY: Gross and Microscopic Examination
Scabies
Bedbug
Louse
Mite
Tapeworm
Tick
Flea
Worm
Delusional parasitosis
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).
For more information see Parasitic Investigation of Stool Specimens Algorithm.
Varies
2. Indicate reason for request.
Question ID | Description | Answers |
---|---|---|
Q00M0046 | Specimen Source (Required) and Isolate Description-Morphology, tests performed. (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 (do not tape). Place the slides in a clean, dry container for transport. If no slides are available at time of collection, the dry skin scraping can be submitted in a sterile container and will be placed on slide at time of examination. Skin scraping must be visible with the naked eye to be of a quantity sufficient for testing.
2. Submit whole worms and worm segments in 70% alcohol or formalin. Worms must be clean of stool to be suitable for examination.
3. Submit arthropods (ticks, lice, nits, bed bugs, etc) in a clean, dry container. Do not wrap in tape, gauze, or tissue that might obscure them during examination.
If not ordering electronically, complete, print, and send a Gastroenterology and Hepatology Test Request (T728) with the specimen.
See Specimen Required.
Specimen Type | Temperature | Time | Special Container |
---|---|---|---|
Varies | Ambient (preferred) | ||
Refrigerated |
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)
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).
For more information see Parasitic Investigation of Stool Specimens Algorithm.
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.
A descriptive report is provided.
A descriptive report is provided identifying the worm or arthropod. Worms and hard ticks are identified to the species level, when possible, while other parasitic arthropods are identified to the genus level.
Arthropods that do not cause human disease and parasite mimics resembling worms are reported as nonparasites or free-living insects.
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 causative agent of Lyme disease. Testing ticks for potential pathogens such as B burgdorferi is not recommended since it does not indicate if the organism has been passed to the host during feeding. Instead, morphologic features of the submitted tick including the gender and degree of engorgement are more useful for predicting the risk of B burgdorferi transmission. Only female ticks transmit B burgdorferi, and they must be attached for 36 hours or more for transmission to occur. The latter is reflected by the degree of tick engorgement. Ticks that are not engorged with blood pose little risk for Lyme disease.
Mathison BA, Pritt BS. Laboratory Identification of Arthropod Ectoparasites. Clin Microbiol Rev. 2014;27(1):48-67
The submitted organism or material is examined macroscopically and microscopically, as appropriate for the specimen. Organisms are identified to the species level when possible.(Mathison BA, Pritt BS. Laboratory Identification of Arthropod Ectoparasites. Clin Microbiol Rev. 2014;27[1]:48-67)
Monday through Friday
This test has been cleared, approved, or is exempt by the US Food and Drug Administration and is used per manufacturer's instructions. Performance characteristics were verified by Mayo Clinic in a manner consistent with CLIA requirements.
87168-Arthropod (if appropriate)
87169-Parasite (if appropriate)
Test Id | Test Order Name | Order LOINC Value |
---|---|---|
PARID | Parasite Identification | 20932-0 |
Result Id | Test Result Name |
Result LOINC Value
Applies only to results expressed in units of measure originally reported by the performing laboratory. These values do not apply to results that are converted to other units of measure.
|
---|---|---|
PARID | Parasite Identification | 20932-0 |