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Test ID: Malaria / other Hemoparasites
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Malaria / other Hemoparasites
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Useful For
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Diagnosis of malaria infection and other blood parasite and characterization of the species. Calculation of percent parasitemia that can be used to predict prognosis and monitor response to treatment for patients with malaria and babesiosis.
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Method name and description
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Microscopy: Thin and thick smears are examined microscopically .
The thick smears using Giemsa stain is used as a screening test to check for the presence of parasite and the thin smear using Romanowsky stain is used to identify species and calculation of percent parasitemia .
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Reporting name
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Malaria Microscopy
For other blood parasites (as applicable): as Babesia, Filaria or Trypanosoma.
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Clinical information
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Malaria and other hemo parasites are potentially serious diseases caused by different blood parasites. Diagnosis of these infections is performed by microscopic examination. The degree of parasitemia is used to predict prognosis as well as monitor response to treatment for patients with malaria and babesiosis.
Estimation of percentage of parasitemia is clinically important especially when exchange transfusion is required.
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Specimen type / Specimen volume / Specimen container
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Whole blood.
For Microfilaria sample to be collected preferably between 10pm and 3am.
Container/Tube: EDTA.
Specimen Volume: 3-4 ml (may be part of CBC).
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Collection instructions / Special Precautions / Timing of collection
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EDTA anticoagulated fresh whole blood with adequate specimen identification.
Sample is best taken during or immediately after an attack of rigors since this will probably contain sufficient amount of the parasite to be readily identified.
Films for malaria must be prepared within a maximum of 3-4 hours after blood collection.
Thin and thick blood smears are prepared from freshly collected venous blood specimens.
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Relevant clinical information to be provided
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Recent travel history.
Recent blood transfusion.
Previous history of infection/treatment for Malaria/blood parasites .
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Storage and transport instructions
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Specimen Rejection Criteria
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Clotted/hemolyzed sample.
Error in labelling/unlabeled specimen.
Wrong collection container.
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Biological reference intervals and clinical decision values
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Factors affecting test performance and result interpretation
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Timing of sample/specimen collection, storage and transportation (Sample is best taken during or immediately after an attack of rigors). Age of the specimen, storage and transport temperature.
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Turnaround time / Days and times test performed / Specimen retention time
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STAT: 3 hours; Routine: 1day
Test performed daily.
Specimen is retained for 3 Days at 2 - 8 °C, negative slides are retained for 1 month, positive slides are retained for longer period according to space availability.
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