A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z # |
Malaria/Babesia/Other Blood Parasites
Test Code831
Alias/See Also
LAB883
CPT Codes
87207
Preferred Specimen
At least 2 thick and 2 thin smears prepared from capillary source (finger) and
1 whole blood EDTA (lavender-top) tube
1 whole blood EDTA (lavender-top) tube
Minimum Volume
One thick and one thin smear and 1 whole blood EDTA (lavender-top) tube
Instructions
Blood samples are to be taken, and slides prepared when the patient presents with symptoms of malaria, and every 6 hours for 36 hours. Specimens obtained during the febrile state yield the greatest number of parasites in circulating blood.
It is very important that at least one thick and one thin blood film smear must be submitted on two separate glass slides with one frosted end, in addition to the EDTA (lavender-top) tube. One slide should be smeared as is done with a differential exam and one slide should have a drop of blood dried in an area about the size of a dime.
Note: Travel history (name of country and when visited) and anti-malarial agents should be noted on the requisition.
It is very important that at least one thick and one thin blood film smear must be submitted on two separate glass slides with one frosted end, in addition to the EDTA (lavender-top) tube. One slide should be smeared as is done with a differential exam and one slide should have a drop of blood dried in an area about the size of a dime.
Note: Travel history (name of country and when visited) and anti-malarial agents should be noted on the requisition.
Transport Container
Slides in slide holders and an EDTA (lavender-top) tube
Transport Temperature
Room temperature
Specimen Stability
Slides
Room temperature: 30 days
Refrigerated: Unacceptable
Frozen: Unacceptable
Whole blood
Room temperature: 24 hours
Refrigerated: Unacceptable
Frozen: Unacceptable
Room temperature: 30 days
Refrigerated: Unacceptable
Frozen: Unacceptable
Whole blood
Room temperature: 24 hours
Refrigerated: Unacceptable
Frozen: Unacceptable
Reject Criteria (Eg, hemolysis? Lipemia? Thaw/Other?)
Hemolysis • Clotted specimens • Specimens out of stability
Methodology
Microscopic Examination of stained slides with Giemsa stain
Setup Schedule
Daily
Report Available
2-5 days
Reference Range
Negative
Clinical Significance
The identification of malarial parasites, Babesia, and other blood parasites is used to determine treatment and prognosis. Calculating percent parasitemia is helpful in monitoring the therapeutic response. Microfilaria can be detected from a Giemsa stain, but this test in not recommended for microfilaria detection. One negative result cannot rule out infection.
Resources:
The CDC Malaria Hotline at 770-488-7788
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. DPDx www.cdc.gov/dpdx/index.html
Resources:
The CDC Malaria Hotline at 770-488-7788
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. DPDx www.cdc.gov/dpdx/index.html
Performing Laboratory
Quest Diagnostics Nichols Institute-San Juan Capistrano, CA |
33608 Ortega Highway |
San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675-2042 |