Lavender (EDTA), 4mL

• 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

Stain and microscopic evaluation