Malaria Parasites

Brief Description

The Parasitology Unit accepts specimens for the speciation and confirmation of malaria parasites by RT-PCR and microscopic examination of Giemsa-stained blood smears. Reference specimens for confirmation or further identification of malaria parasites are accepted from all laboratories and health care providers.

Laboratory Unit

Parasitology

Methodology

  • Microscopy
  • RT-PCR

Specimen Collection

  • Whole blood:
    • Lavender top EDTA tube.
  • Whole blood Slides:
    • Giemsa or Wright stained thick and thin blood smears

Storage/Transport

  • Slides can be maintained at room temperature (15-30°C) during transit. 
  • EDTA blood samples can be maintained at refrigerated temperature (2-8°C) during transit.
  • FRM-QA 4 Refrigeration Outfit Guide  (PDF, 722.25 KB)

Acceptable Specimen Type(s)

Whole blood, Thick and thin blood smears (unstained) and Stained Slides

Test Request

For manual orders, download the GPHL Submission Form  (PDF, 291.38 KB)

Possible Results

  • Microscopy:
    • Organism stages reported for:
    • Plasmodium malariae
    • Plasmodium ovale
    • Plasmodium vivax
    • Plasmodium falciparum
    • No parasites found
    • Unsatisfactory
  • PCR:
    • Parasite identified by PCR as:
    • Plasmodium malariae
    • Plasmodium ovale
    • Plasmodium vivax
    • Plasmodium falciparum
    • No parasites identified by PCR
    • Unsatisfactory

Reference Range

No parasites found

Unacceptable Conditions

  • Missing testing requisition
  • Missing minimum of 2 patient identifiers
  • Improper labeling
  • Improper storage/transport of specimen
  • No specimen received (empty collection tube).
  • Wrong specimen type
  • Specimen damaged, broken, or leaking upon arrival

Interfering Substances

N/A

Result Reported

1-3 business days

Fees

Fee schedule  (PDF, 68.3 KB)

LOINC/Test Codes

  • 47260-5 (Test code: PA01)