Ordering Recommendation

New York DOH Approval Status

This test is New York state approved.

Specimen Required

Patient Preparation
Collect

Macroscopic parasite (larvae, worm, anthropod, insect, tick). If scabies is suspected, scrape the skin from the leading edge of the lesion.

Specimen Preparation

Parasite: Immerse parasite in 5-10 mL of 70-80 percent ethanol (or other alcohol) in a clean container.
Scrapings:
Place in 2-3 mL of 70-80 percent ethanol (or other alcohol) in a clean container.

Storage/Transport Temperature

Room temperature.

Unacceptable Conditions

Stool. Unpreserved specimens. Specimens in preservative other than ethanol (or other alcohol).

Remarks

Specimen source preferred.

Stability

Ambient: 1 month; Refrigerated: 1 month; Frozen: Unacceptable

Methodology

Visual Identification/Microscopy

Performed

Sun-Sat

Reported

1-4 days

Reference Interval

Interpretive Data

Identification of ecto parasite or larval form.

Compliance Category

Standard

Note

Hotline History

N/A

CPT Codes

87169

Components

Component Test Code* Component Chart Name LOINC
2007361 Parasite Examination, Macroscopic 42807-8
* Component test codes cannot be used to order tests. The information provided here is not sufficient for interface builds; for a complete test mix, please click the sidebar link to access the Interface Map.

Aliases

  • bed bug
  • bot fly
  • cimex sp.
  • Ecto parasite larvae or worm detection
  • flea
  • lice
  • proglottid
  • scabies
  • tapeworm
  • tick
Parasite Examination, Macroscopic