Malaria/Babesia/Other Blood Parasites
Also known as Trypanosoma sp., Blood Parasites, Leishmania sp., Plasmodium sp., Babesia sp.
What it measures
- Malaria/Babesia/Other Blood ParasitesLOINC 17784-0
Specimen
- Specimen
- At least 2 thick and 2 thin smears prepared from capillary source (finger) and 1 whole blood EDTA (lavender-top) tube
- Minimum volume
- One thick and one thin smear and 1 whole blood EDTA (lavender-top) tube
- Container
- Slides in slide holders and an EDTA (lavender-top) tube
- Temperature
- Room temperature
Blood samples are to be taken, and slides prepared when the patient presents with symptoms of malaria, and every 6 hours for 36 hours. Specimens obtained during the febrile state yield the greatest number of parasites in circulating blood. It is very important that at least one thick and one thin blood film smear must be submitted on two separate glass slides with one frosted end, in addition to the EDTA (lavender-top) tube. One slide should be smeared as is done with a differential exam and one slide should have a drop of blood dried in an area about the size of a dime. Note: Travel history (name of country and when visited) and anti-malarial agents should be noted on the requisition.
Turnaround
Set up: Mon-Fri (Day shift); Report available: 4 days
Billing
CPT 87207