Sign in →

Test Code LAB7012 Blood Parasite Examination

Important Note

The lavender tube should first go to the hematology technologist to make 4 thin smears.

The original tube and slides should then be forwarded STAT to the BJH microbiology department for testing.

Additional Codes

LAB7012

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