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.
  • Download this pdf file. FRM-QA 4 Refrigeration Outfit Guide

Acceptable Specimen Type(s)

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

Test Request

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

Download this pdf file. Fee schedule

LOINC/Order Codes

  • 32206-5 Microscopy (Order code: 2150)
  • 50687-3 PCR (Order code: 2150)