Malaria/parasite stain-6607

Test info

  
Malaria/parasite stain
  
6607
  
LAB6607
  
MAL
  
Babesia microti
  

This test is uesed for the detection of Plasmodium (malaria), Babesia, trypanosomes and microfilaria.

  
  • Since single films may not reveal organisms, successive films at 6, 12, or 24 hours are sometimes necessary

Specimen

  
EDTA whole blood + 3 thin and 3 thick blood smears
  
  
  • Although the optimum time of collection is about midway between chills, to ensure obtaining stages on which species identification can be made, blood collection for Malaria/parasite smears should be performed immediately upon the first suggestion of Malaria
  • Blood samples must be taken before any antimalarial drugs are used to ensure demonstration of organisms if the patient does have malaria
  • Immediately following collection, mix sample thoroughly by gentle inverting 8 - 10 times to prevent clotting
  
  • Do not spin
  • Blood Smears should be made within 60 minutes of collection. Smears after 60 minutes may result in decreased detection of organisms.

Blood smears for Malaria and other blood parasites :

Hospitals

  • Blood should be immediately delivered to the laboratory for slide preparation.

Clinics with laboratory services

  • Prepare slides according to the instructions below, and submit along with the collection tube.

Clinics without a laboratory and Patient Service Centers

  • Transport the specimen to Allina Health Laboratory Central lab by courier.
  • The specimen should arrive within 6 hours of collection.
    • A rush courier may be required to meet this requirement.

SMEAR PREPARATION:

  • Make smears within 30-60 minutes of collection if possible.

Thick smears (prepare 4):

  • Place 1-2 drops of blood on a slide
  • Using the corner of another slide, stir the blood in a circular motion for about 30 seconds to prevent the formation of fibrin strands
  • Spread the blood out to an area about the size of a nickel. Thick films need to be thin enough to read newsprint through them.
  • Label each slide with the patient's name, a second unique identifier and the date and time of collection
  • Allow the slides to air dry

Thin smears (prepare 4):

  • Place a small drop of blood near one end of a slide
  • Spread the blood over the surface with the edge of a second slide to form a thin layer, in the same manner that is used to prepare a smear for hematology
  • Label each slide with the patient's name, a second unique identifier and the date and time of collection
  • Allow the slides to air dry
  

Lavender (EDTA), 4mL + slides in a Slide holder - 5 specimen

  

Ambient - <24 hours

Refrigerated - >24 hours

  
  • Improper label (unlabeled or mislabeled)
  • Time delay between time of collection and receipt of specimen
  • Improper transport container
  • Improper transport temperature
  • Inappropriate specimen type

Performance

  
AHL - Microbiology: M
  
Daily
  
1 day
  

Stain and microscopic evaluation

Clinical and Interpretive info

Billing

  
87207
87015

Tracking

  
08/06/2013
  
12/20/2023
  
12/15/2023