Laboratory Fee Schedule
Procedure: MMB1040A
CPT: N/A
| Synonym(s): | insect, parasite, mite, taxonomic classification |
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| Requisition Form | G-2B |
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| Test Description | - Arthropods are identified using a microscope and taxonomic keys.
- Arthropods may be sent to CDC for identification.
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| Pre-Approval Needed | No. However, arthropod specimens must be collected and submitted by physicians or healthcare professionals only. Submissions from the general public are not accepted. |
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| Supplemental Information Required | N/A |
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| Supplemental Form(s) | N/A |
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| Performed on Specimens from (sources) | - Non-human
- Arthropods collected from a patient by a physician or other health professional.
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| Sample/Specimen Type for Testing | Arthropod |
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| Minimum Volume/Size Required | At least one whole organism or enough body parts to allow correct identification. |
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| Storage/Preservation Prior to Shipping | - Place arthropod(s) in 70 to 90 percent ethanol, in a plastic tube or container with a screw-cap lid.
- Wrap the lid with plastic film (Parafilm).
- Place the plastic tube or container with specimen(s) in a clear biohazard bag.
- Store at ambient temperatures.
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| Transport Medium | N/A |
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| Specimen Labeling | - Each specimen must be submitted with a completed G-2B submission form.
- In Section 4 of G-2B form, check “Other” and next to it, write in the type of organism.
- Specimen container must be labeled with patient name and at least one other unique identifier.
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| Shipping and Specimen Handling Requirements | - Ship at ambient temperatures to Laboratory.
- Make sure the lid of the specimen container is threaded correctly, firmly closed, and wrapped with Parafilm, to avoid ethanol leakage.
- Container with specimen must be placed in a clear biohazard bag for shipping.
- Place biohazard bag and G-2B form in a box for shipment to the Lab.
- Shipping overnight or next day is preferred.
- Submitters are responsible for packaging and shipping specimens safely and securely.
- Additional DSHS Laboratory specimen shipping guidelines online here.
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| Method | Species identification via microscopy |
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| Turn-around Time | 4 days |
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| Interferences/Limitations | N/A |
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| Common Causes for Rejection | - The specimen was not collected from a patient.
- The specimen was not submitted by a physician or other healthcare professional.
- Not enough of the organism was submitted for identification.
- Specimen spilled or broke in transit.
- Specimen container not labeled with patient name.
- Discrepancies between submission form and specimen container label.
- Missing/incomplete/illegible information in submission form.
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| Additional Information | If the specimen is sent to CDC for identification, the turn-around time will be longer. |
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