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Parasite Identification, Varies

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Updated Test Information:

Test Description
Parasite Identification, Varies
Synonym(s)

Scabies; Bedbug; Louse; Mite; Tapeworm; Tick; Flea; Worm
Test ID
PARID
General Information

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)
Specimen Type

  • Parasitic worms

  • Insects

  • Mites
Specimen Requirements

Sterile Container
Specimen Collection / Processing Instructions

  • Scabies: 

    • submit skin scrapings on glass microscope slide

    • Cover with a clean slide and use a rubber band to hold the two slides together

    • Place the slides in a clean, dry container for transport



  • Worms:

    • Submit whole worms and worm segments in 70% alcohol or formalin



  • Arthropods:

    • Submit arthropods (ticks, lice, nits, bed bugs, etc) in a clean, dry container.
Minimum Sample Volume

Entire specimen
Required Information

  • Specimen source and isolate description are required: morphology, tests performed, location of specimen, or other pertinent information

  • Indicate reason for request
Stability

  • Ambient (preferred)

  • Refrigerated
Unacceptable Specimen Conditions

All specimens will be evaluated at Mayo Clinic Laboratories for test suitability.
Limitations

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.
Methodology

  • BUG: Arthropod and Artifact Identification

  • WORMY: Gross and Microscopic Examination
Estimated TAT

1-4 days
Testing Schedule

Monday-Friday
Retention

7 days
CPT Code(s)

87169
Reference Range

A descriptive report is provided
Reflex Conditions

  • BUG: Arthropod Identification (Bill Only)

  • WORMY: Parasite Identification (Bill Only)
Performing Lab

Mayo
LOINC Code(s)

20932-0
Additional Information