Parasitic Worm Identification Print

WSLH Department: CDD - Communicable Disease Division
WSLH Test Code: MP00860
Day(s) Performed: Daily, Monday - Friday
Turn-around Time: 1-3 days
Recommended Uses: For the diagnosis of parasitic worm infections of humans
Pre-approval: N
Contraindications:
Additional Tests Performed:
Preparation for Collection:
Specimen Requirements: 1. Recovered worm in 10% Formalin or its equivalent
2. 70% ethanol;
3. Scotch tape or paddle preparation for Pinworms (Enterobius vermicularis).
4. If preservative is unavailable, use a sterile container with a small amount of water to prevent desiccation.
Collection Instructions: Scotch-tape or paddle preparations should be taken early in the morning. Preserve and send specimens as soon as possible.
Collection Kit/Container:
Requisition Form: CDD Requisition Form A
Required Information: Laboratory regulations require the following minimum information to be provided on the requisition form for a specimen to be accepted for testing: Patient name or unique identifier; date and time of collection, patient date of birth and sex, specimen type/site of collection, test request(s), clinician name and UPIN, and address for reporting results. Please be certain that name/identifier on the form matches that on the specimen label.
Rejection Criteria: Worms isolated from animals or the environment and worms that are degraded or desiccated; submission of arthropods (insects) are inappropriate for this test.
Specimen Handling: Ambient temperature
Packaging Requirements:
Courier Information:
Specimen Receiving Hours: Monday-Friday 7:45 AM - 4:30 PM, Saturday 7:45 AM - 12:00 PM
Results Include: Identification of worm or organism.

Artifact which is not consistent with a parasitic worm.
Limitations: This test is not a replacement for a routine ova and parasite exam to effectively diagnose helminth infections. Many helminths may be only detected by the detection of ova or larvae in concentrated stool samples.
Additional Tests Recommended: 1. Ova and Parasites, Intestinal (Test MP00840) For Stool only 2. Ectoparasite and Arthropod Identification (Test MP87168)
Additional Comments: Worms may produce fertile, infectious eggs; use proper precautions when handling parasitic worms.
Methodology: Macroscopic and Microscopic examinations
Includes: Confirmation and identification of suspected parasitic worms of humans.
Regulatory Compliance:
CPT Code: 87169
Price: $43.00 Price Effective 1/1/25
Fee Exempt Eligible: N
Billing and Revenue Office: 1-800-862-1065 arbill@slh.wisc.edu
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