Malaria/Babesia/Other Blood Parasites

Test ID: 831 CPT: 87207

Clinical Significance: The identification of malarial parasites and other blood parasites is used to determine treatment and prognosis. Babesia and other blood parasite are noted and reported. Microfilaria can be detected from a giemsa stain. However, this test is not recommended for the detection of microfilaria. One negative observation cannot rule out blood parasites.

Profile Components:

Container: Transport Temperature: Specimen: Slides in slide holders and an EDTA Room temperature At least 2 thick and 2 thin smears (lavender-top) tube prepared from capillary source (finger) and 1 whole blood EDTA (lavender-top) tube

Specimen Stability: Reject Criteria: Days Performed: Room temperature: 30 days Hemolysis • Clotted blood • Age- Mon-Fri Refrigerated: Unacceptable deteriorated blood cells (EDTA Frozen: Unacceptable blood older than 48 hours) Whole blood Room temperature: 24 hours

Collection Instructions: Blood drawn 1 to 2 hours prior to expected chill will enhance recovery of malarial parasites by the laboratory. 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