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Test Code LAB7012 Blood Parasite Examination

Methodology

Giemsa Stained blood smear for detection of parasites including Plasmodium (Malaria), Babesia, and Trypanosoma. Includes rapid malaria antigen test.

 

Note: The sensitivity of this test is poor for microfilariae. If there is clinical suspicion of filarisis, order FIL - Overview: Filaria, Blood (mayocliniclabs.com) through Mayo Clinical Laboratories. 

Note: Malaria antigen test is performed only one time per month for previously positive patients.

Performing Laboratory

Barnes-Jewish Hospital Laboratory

Specimen Requirements

Specimen must arrive in the Microbiology Laboratory within 1 hour of draw for best results.

 

Acceptable Specimens:

1 full, lavender or pink top (EDTA) tube.

 

Note: Prolonged delays between collection of the blood and lab processing may affect the detection of parasites.  If specimen cannot reach Barnes-Jewish Hospital Laboratory within 1 hour, prepare a minimum of 4 thin smears immediately after blood draw. See Malaria Information and Slide Preparation in Special Instructions for collection information.  Forward original tube and slides promptly to the Barnes-Jewish Hospital Microbiology Laboratory.

 

Collection Procedure:

Aseptically draw blood into tube. Invert tube several times to mix blood. Do not centrifuge. (Clotted blood or underfilled tubes are not acceptable.)


Notes:

1. Multiple blood samples collected over 2-3 days at 8-12 hour intervals may be required for the detection of blood-borne parasites. 

3. Additional specimens collected less than 8 hours apart will not be processed.  

Specimen Transport Temperature

Ambient

Reference Values

MALARIA  ANTIGEN TEST:  Negative for Plasmodium falciparum antigen and the antigens for other Plasmodium species

 

GIEMSA STAIN:  Negative by smear analysis

 

Literature Reference:

Garcia, Lynne S. Diagnostic medical parasitology. 6th ed. Washington, DC: ASM Press; 2016; 129-133.

Day(s) Test Set Up

Monday through Sunday


Turnaround Time:
Antigen test: 1 hour
Giemsa stain: results available within 24 hours

Test Classification and CPT Coding

87207-Stain

87899-Malaria antigen

Additional Information

For BJH Laboratory Use Only

 

Minimum Volume:

1 mL of EDTA blood

 

Analyte Stability:

Blood for smear analysis must be received in less than 8 hours from collection.

Blood for antigen testing is stable for 3 days at ambient temperature.

 

Laboratory Processing Instructions:
Test performed in BJH Microbiology.

Special Instructions

Malaria Information and Slide Preparation