| A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z # |
Parasite Identification, Varies
MessageNECESSARY INFORMATION
- Specimen source and isolate description are required: morphology, tests performed, location of specimen, or other pertinent information.
- Indicate reason for request.
Test Code
MPARI
Alias/See Also
Epic: LAB247
Mayo: PARID
Mayo: PARID
CPT Codes
87168-Arthropod (if appropriate) 87169-Parasite (if appropriate)
Includes
REFLEX TESTS
| Test Id | Reporting Name | Available Separately | Always Performed |
|---|---|---|---|
| BUG | Arthropod Identification | No, (Bill Only) | No |
| WORMY | Parasite Identification | No, (Bill Only) | No |
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).
For more information see Parasitic Investigation of Stool Specimens Algorithm
Preferred Specimen
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
Container/Tube: Sterile container (10% formalin or 70% alcohol may be added if appropriate specimen type)
Specimen Volume: Entire specimen
Instructions
- 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.
- Submit whole worms and worm segments in 70% alcohol or formalin.
- Submit arthropods (ticks, lice, nits, bed bugs, etc) in a clean, dry container.
Specimen Stability
| Specimen Type | Temperature | Time | Special Container |
|---|---|---|---|
| Varies | Ambient (preferred) | ||
| Refrigerated | |||
Reject Criteria (Eg, hemolysis? Lipemia? Thaw/Other?)
All specimens will be evaluated at Mayo Clinic Laboratories for test suitability.
Methodology
BUG: Arthropod and Artifact Identification
WORMY: Gross and Microscopic Examination
Setup Schedule
Monday through Friday
Report Available
1 to 4 days
Limitations
CAUTIONS
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.
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.
Reference Range
REFERENCE VALUES
A descriptive report is provided.
INTERPRETATION
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.
A descriptive report is provided.
INTERPRETATION
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.
Clinical Significance
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)
CLINICAL INFORMATION
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.
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)
CLINICAL INFORMATION
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.
Performing Laboratory
Mayo Clinic Laboratories - Rochester
3050 Superior Drive NW
Rochester, MN 55901
Additional Information
Parasite Identification, Varies
Last Updated: June 27, 2023
Last Review: N. Wolford, June 27, 2023