Laboratory:
Microbiology
Referral Laboratory:
MiChart Code:
Parasite, Microscopic Examination
Soft Order Code:
OPD
Synonyms:
Scabies Mite Skin Scraping, Parasites
Ectoparasite Sarcoptes scabei
Container:
Clean, dry plastic container
Offsite Collection:
Unroof the burrow hole. Using a scalpel with immersion or mineral oil on it, scrape the superficial layer of skin (stratum corneum). Place the scrapings in oil on a microscope slide, place a second slide on top of the specimen and send to MLabs. A small piece of tissue can be sent with a few drops of oil on it. If an unacceptable specimen is received, the physician will be notified before disposal of the original specimen.
Onsite Collection (Michigan Medicine Hospitals Only):
Unroof the burrow hole. Using a scalpel with immersion or mineral oil on it, scrape the superficial layer of skin (stratum corneum). Place the scrapings in oil on a microscope slide, place a second slide on top of the specimen and send to the laboratory. A small piece of tissue can be sent with a few drops of oil on it. If an unacceptable specimen is received, the physician will be notified before disposal of the original specimen.
Days Set Up:
Monday - Friday
Analytic Time:
8 - 24 hours
Reference Range:
*Reference ranges may change over time. Please refer to the original patient report when evaluating results.
No scabies or parasites detected. If the non-pathogenic hair follicle mite Demodex spp. is observed, it will be reported.
Test Usage:
Identification of Sarcoptes scabei (scabies mite) or ectoparasite ova.
Test Methodology:
Microscopic Exam with KOH digestion of skin.
CPT Code:
87220
Fee Code:
32382
Storage Temperature:
Ambient: Yes Refrigerated: Yes Frozen: No
Specimen Retention:
7 days
Test ID:
173