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MALARIA/BLOOD PARASITES
MessageTravel history vital.
Test Code
MALAR
Alias/See Also
LAB883 MALARIA SMEAR 80636
Includes
Thick and thin smear examination for Malaria, Babesia, other blood parasites. Malaria/Babesia with % paracitemia.
Preferred Specimen
EDTA blood (purple top) or fingerstick blood smears.
Minimum Volume
1 ml
Other Acceptable Specimens
Thick and thin smears prepared at the bedside from fingerstick or smears prepared by affiliate lab.
Instructions
Draw purple top and mix well. Make 4 thin (feather edge) and 2 "thick" preps. Stain two thin in Hematology and examine STAT. PFH, PHH, PMH and PNH labs: Send tube with slides to PAH Microbiolology. Alternatively, prepare above mentioned smears from fingerstick at bedside or outpatient setting and follow per above.
Transport Container
EDTA tube. Smears in microscope slide holder(s).
Transport Temperature
Ambient.
Specimen Stability
Optimal smear prep = 4 hours.
Methodology
Wright's/Giemsa stain; light microscopy.
Setup Schedule
Specimens received and tested STAT 24/7.
Report Available
Preliminary report within 2 hours. Final report next business day after pathology consult at PAH.
Limitations
Yield directly related to quality of specimen (age) submitted and presence of organisms in quantities within the limits of detection via light microscopy.
Clinical Significance
The presence of Plasmodium falciparum in the blood is a potentially life-threatening condition. Results may also be used to monitor response during and post-therapy in patients.
Performed By
Piedmont Atlanta
