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HelpTest Code LAB7012 Blood Parasite Exam
Performing Laboratory
Barnes-Jewish Hospital Laboratory
Methodology
Giemsa Stain / Malaria Antigen Test
Testing Algorithm:
Malaria antigen test is performed only one time per month for previously positive patients.
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.
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.
Collection Procedure:
Aseptically draw blood into tube. Invert tube several times to mix blood. Do not centrifuge. (Clotted blood or less than a full tube is 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.
2. 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.
3. Additional specimens collected less than 8 hours from initial specimen will not be processed.
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
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.
Specimen Transport Temperature
Ambient
Additional Information
For BJH Laboratory Use Only
Minimum Volume:
1 mL of EDTA blood
Analyte Stability:
Blood for antigen is stable for 3 days at ambient temperature.
Laboratory Processing Instructions:
Test performed in BJH Microbiology. Check the collection time. If received ≥1 hour after draw, enter the order comment G1HR (Specimen was received in the laboratory greater than 1 hour from collection time of: ____.) and notify the technologist. If anticipated that the EDTA tube of blood will not reach the laboratory within 1 hour, physician should have thin smears made immediately after blood collection and send the EDTA tube of blood to the laboratory along with the thin smears. For proper smear preparation instructions, fax the “Malaria Information and Slide Preparation” form found in “Special Instructions” to the physician’s office.