Tick (and Other Arthropods) ID
Test code: 3946
CPT code(s): 87168
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.
Methodology: Microscopic and Macroscopic Examination
Alternative name(s): Tick Identification, Parasite Identification, External, Arthropod Identification
Supply: #U02 90mL Sterile w/ Green Lid
Preferred specimen(s): 70% alcohol preserved tick, insect, larva, etc. collected in a plastic sterile leak-proof container
Alternative specimen(s): 10% formalin preserved tick, insect larva, etc. collected in a plastic sterile leak-proof container
Minimum volume: 1 tick
Collection instructions: Place specimen in alcohol as soon as possible. Submit one parasite per container.
Transport container: Sterile, leak-proof container
Transport temperature: Room temperature
- Room Temperature: Dependent on organism integrity
- Refrigerated: Dependent on organism integrity
- Frozen: Unacceptable
Reject criteria:
- Specimens collected from non-human sources
For additional supply or collection device information, please contact DLO's Customer Service at (800) 891-2917, option 2.
The CPT codes provided are based on AMA guidelines and are for informational purposes only. CPT coding is the sole responsibility of the billing party. Please direct any questions regarding coding to the payor being billed.