Parasite Smear, Blood - NorDx Test Catalog

Additional Codes

Software	Test Code
Label Text	PSMR1
EPIC	LAB20649

Performing Laboratory

NorDx Laboratories

Useful For

Detecting and identifying parasites in blood

Method Name

Wright-Giemsa Stain and Lateral Flow Immunoassay

Reference Values

Negative (no parasites detected)

Days and Times Test Performed

Monday through Sunday

Report Available

1 Day

Specimen Type

Submit all of the following:

~ Blood Smears – 4 thin peripheral blood smears (NorDx testing sites send 2 stained and 2 unstained smears with sample to MMC - P)

~ Whole Blood

Preferred Container

Lavender Top Tube (EDTA)

Slide

Preferred Volume

Whole Blood: 4.0 mL (Lavender Top Tube (EDTA))

Specimen Collection and Handling

Submit the following specimens:

BLOOD:

1. Draw blood in a lavender-top (EDTA) tube

2. Send 4.0 mL of EDTA whole blood at ambient temperature only.

3. Parasites may not be detected in EDTA specimen processed 4-6 hours after collection if parasitemia is low.

SMEARS:

1. Submit 4 thin peripheral blood smears (NorDx testing sites send 2 stained and 2 unstained smears with sample to MMC)

2. Do not fix; air dry only.

3. Send the slides in plastic slide containers.

4. Forward promptly at ambient temperature only.

Add On Capable

Yes

Advance Beneficiary Notice Requirements

This test, when ordered on Medicare patients, is subject to the National Coverage Determination (NCD) policies. Please verify that the diagnosis code (ICD code) you have chosen demonstrates medical necessity for the test as documented in the physician’s patient record. The CMS web site is available to assist you with this verification. A properly executed Advance Beneficiary Notice (ABN) must be submitted with the specimen if medical necessity is not demonstrated by the ICD code chosen.

CPT Code Information

CPT Code	CPT Description	CPT Disclaimer
87207	Smear, Special Stain for Inclusion Bodies or Parasites (eg: Malaria, Coccidia, Microsporidia, Trypanosomes, Herpes Viruses)
87899	Infectious agent antigen detection by immunoassay with direct optical (ie visual) observation, not otherwise specified.

Performing Laboratory Location