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MALARIA, SMEAR
MessageHematology
Test Code
LAB883
Alias/See Also
Smear for Malaria
CPT Codes
87207
Preferred Specimen
2.5 ml. whole blood (lavender top tube, EDTA), or by fingerstick using microtainer. May combine with CBC.
Instructions
Lab: Before sending to alternate laboratory/site, please deliver to Hematology Department to process peripheral blood smears first. Thin and thick smears to be prepared per policy.
Blood films several hours apart may sometimes be required to demonstrate infection. An Orange County Public Health Laboratory form must be included with each positive specimen. Please refer to EPIC, if necessary, for required patient information. The form is located in Reference, Hematology and Microbiology departments.
Blood films several hours apart may sometimes be required to demonstrate infection. An Orange County Public Health Laboratory form must be included with each positive specimen. Please refer to EPIC, if necessary, for required patient information. The form is located in Reference, Hematology and Microbiology departments.
Specimen Stability
Ambient 24 hrs
Optimum time for collection is between chills to obtain stages on which species identification can be made. Since single film may not reveal organisms, successive films every 6 to 8 hours for 2-3 days are sometimes necessary.
Blood samples must be taken before any anti-malarial drugs are used to ensure demonstration of organisms if the patient does have malaria.
Optimum time for collection is between chills to obtain stages on which species identification can be made. Since single film may not reveal organisms, successive films every 6 to 8 hours for 2-3 days are sometimes necessary.
Blood samples must be taken before any anti-malarial drugs are used to ensure demonstration of organisms if the patient does have malaria.
Report Available
Same day for thin smears; results of thick smears may not be available until the following day
Reference Range
No parasites seen
