Test Detail

Arthropod Identification

Panel Components
Test Description		Contact: Diagnostic Microbiology (319) 335-4256 Test Request Form: Mycobacteriology/Mycology/Parasitology SHL OpenELIS Code: 594
Microscopic and macroscopic examination to identify parasite (arthropod, insect, tick).
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)
$8.52	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.
Shipping:
Specimens should be stored and shipped under the same conditions. Wrap specimen container in absorbent material and place inside a biohazard bag. Transport specimen at room temperature. Ship to the Coralville location.
Temperature and Stability:	Room Temperature (15-35°C)
Rejection Criteria:	Specimens will be rejected if received under these conditions: Refrigerated and frozen temperatures. 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.
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