Parasite Examination – CDC Referral Testing

Laboratory Fee Schedule
Procedure #: N/A 
CPT: N/A 

Synonym(s):

Parasitology, Parasite, CDC referral, Acanthamoeba, Balamuthia, Naegleria fowleri, Free-living ameba, Amebiasis, primary amebic meningoencephalitis (PAM), granulomatous amebic encephalitis (GAE), Acanthamoeba keratitis (AK), Entamoeba histolytica, Entamoeba dispar, Amebic Dysentery, Babesiosis, Babesia, Neurocysticercosis, Taenia solium, cysticercosis, EITB, LLGP-EITB, Echinococcosis, Echinococcus granulosus, Hydatid disease, Fascioliasis, Fasciola hepatica, liver fluke, Leishmaniasis, Visceral leishmaniasis, Kala azar, Leishmania donovoni, Leishmania infantum, Paragonimiasis, Paragonimus westermani, Paragonimus kellicotti, Larva migrans, Toxocariasis, Toxocara canis, Toxocara cati, Trichinosis, Trichinella spiralis, Trichomonas vaginalis, Trichomoniasis, Microsporidiosis, Microsporidia, Chagas Disease, Trypanosoma sp.
Requisition Form G-2A
Test Description See CDC Infectious Diseases Laboratory Test Directory
http://www.cdc.gov/laboratory/specimen-submission/list.html
Pre-Approval Needed Yes 
Except for exotic disease testing unavailable elsewhere, CDC testing should be used for confirming results.
Supplemental Information Required Patient history; previous test results
Supplemental Form(s) See CDC specimen submission form
http://www.cdc.gov/laboratory/specimen-submission/form.html
Performed on Specimens from (sources) Human
Sample/Specimen Type for Testing Various body fluids
Minimum Volume/Size Required Dependent upon specimen type; call for guidance
Storage/Preservation Prior to Shipping Dependent upon specimen type; call for guidance on handling
Transport Medium Dependent upon specimen type; call for guidance
Specimen Labeling •    Two patient-specific identifiers required (e.g., patient full name, date of birth, Medical record number)
•    Identifiers on specimen must exactly match submission form.
Shipping and Specimen Handling Requirements Ship samples: 
  • according to Dangerous Good Regulations, IATA, and/or CFR 49
  • handling as infectious agent using universal precautions
  • triple-contained in accordance with federal shipping regulations for infectious agents
  • as Biological Substance Category B
  • temperature dependent upon specimen type 
  • call for guidance on handling
Method Various
Turn-around Time Various
Interferences/Limitations Dependent upon test
Common Causes for Rejection
  • No specimen received
  • Expired media 
  • No identifiers on containers
  • Doesn’t meet CDC acceptance criteria
Additional Information
  • All specimen submissions to CDC should have approval by local or state health department unless participating in special studies or surveillance projects. 
  • Call Texas DSHS Medical Parasitology at 512-776-7560 with questions about specimen collection and handling
  • Please complete CDC specimen submission form and select “TX DSHS Lab Services Section” from Institution Name pull-down menu at top right of form.