Tick (and Other Arthropods) ID

Overview

  • EPIC Code:
  • MISC
  • Soft Test Code:
  • MSOT
  • Send Out Test Code:
  • 3946
Alternate Names
  • Arachnid Idendification
  • Arthropod Identification
  • BUG
  • Insect Idendification
  • Lice Idendification
  • Parasite Identification,
  • Scabies Identification
  • Tick Identification
Clinical Significance

Arthropods/insects 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/insect.


Specimen Collection & Preparation

Specimen Requirements

Tick, Insect, Larva, Lice etc. collected in a plastic sterile leak-proof container w/ 70% alcohol preserved 

For scabies: scrape skin into a sterile plastic container


Alternate Specimen

10% formalin preserved tick, insect larva, etc. collected in a plastic sterile leak-proof container

Insect 
(Tick; Lice; etc.) in a Red Top Tube with a few drops of saline


TransportAndStorage

Dependant on Specimen Viability - Ambient (prefered)
Dependant on Specimen Viability - Refrigerated
Unacceptable - Frozen


Collection Instructions

 Place specimen in alcohol as soon as possible. Submit one parasite per container.


Minimum Volume


Neonatal Volumne

Clinical Interpretation

Reference Range:

Species Identification


Test Comments:

Identification of insects may be referred to the Indiana State Department of Health for identification and/or confirmation


Methodology:
  • Macroscopic Examination
  • Microscopic

Clinical Significance

Arthropods/insects 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/insect.


Production Schedule

Sites Performed
  • Quest - Chantilly
Days Performed
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Departments
  • Sendouts - Miscellaneous
Turn Around Time

1 to 4 day


Coding & Compliance

CDM

00913333


CPT Coding

87168