Test Detail

 

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Arthropod Identification Back to Test Directory
Test Description
Microscopic and macroscopic examination to identify parasite (arthropod, insect, tick).
Panel Components
Bed bugs, Lice, Mites, Myiasis, Scabies, Ticks
Performed Avg. Turnaround Time Method
Coralville, 8 a.m. - 5 p.m., M-F
 1 - 3 business days Microscopic and macroscopic examination
Fee CPT Code(s)
$8.11 87168
Specimen Requirements
Specimen Type: Ectoparasite (ticks, mites, lice, fleas, myiasis-causing flies, bed bugs, etc).
Collection Instructions: Whole parasite: store in clean container with 70% ethanol.
    If scabies is suspected: scrape the skin from the leading edge of the lesion with a scalpel containing a drop of mineral oil. The mineral oil enhances the adherence of the mites to the blade. Add an additional drop of mineral oil to a clean slide and place scraping on the slide, coverslip, and send in slide transport.
      Temperature and Stability: Room temperature (35°C)
      Unacceptable Conditions: Specimens in preservative other than ethanol. Scabies scrapings not sent on slides in slide transport container.
      Expected Results: Identification of arthopod, Submitted specimen is not an arthropod.
      Shipping Instructions
      Wrap specimen container in absorbent material and place inside a biohazard bag. Transport specimen at room temperature. Ship to the Coralville location.
      Comments
      Arthropods may be vectors of disease and may cause infestations of skin, hair, and mucous membranes. Diagnosis of a disease or infestation may be achieved by recovery and identification of the intact arthropod.
      Alternate Names
      Tick Identification, Arthropod Identification, Bed Bug, Bot fly, Scabies, Lice, Flea