Malaria/Babesia/Other Blood Parasites
Test Code
Clinical Significance
Malaria/Babesia/Other Blood Parasites - 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
Test Resources
Test Details
Methodology
Reference Range(s)
Alternative Name(s)
Preferred Specimen(s)
At least 2 thick and 2 thin smears prepared from capillary source (finger) and
1 whole blood EDTA (lavender-top) tube
Minimum Volume
One thick and one thin smear and 1 whole blood EDTA (lavender-top) tube
Collection 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.
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
Reject Criteria
Hemolysis • Clotted specimens • Specimens out of stability
Setup Schedule
1 whole blood EDTA (lavender-top) tube
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.
Room temperature: 30 days
Refrigerated: Unacceptable
Frozen: Unacceptable
Whole blood
Room temperature: 24 hours
Refrigerated: Unacceptable
Frozen: Unacceptable