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HelpTest Code LAB2530 Blood Parasites
Infectious
Clinical System Name
Blood Parasites
Synonyms
Malaria Stain
Plasmodium
Babesia
Microfilariae
Trypanosomes
Malaria Antigen Detection
Malaria EIA Immunoassay
LAB2530
Sample Requirements
Specimen: Whole Blood
Container: Lavender/EDTA, Lavender/EDTA microtainer/EDTA capillary tube
Preferred Vol: 3.0mL
Minimum Vol: 0.5mL
NOTE: Specimens collected in an EDTA Capillary tube must be delivered to the lab and tested immediately after collection.
Processing Instructions
CPA: Send the specimen to the Core Lab ASAP for CBC testing. After the sample has run through the Sysmex, the Core Lab will make 4 thick and 6 thin smears and immediately forward the slides and blood tube back to Microbiology. The Microbiology Lab will perform the Malaria EIA Immunoassay testing. Slides should be prepared within 1 hour of collection. Microbiology will perform a Giemsa stain on the remaining slides for evaluation.
Off-site collection: Keep sample at room temperature prior to and during courier transport to SCH. Avoid delays in transport. Samples are acceptable for testing if received within 24 hours of collection.
Stability
| Specimen Type | Temperature | Time |
|---|---|---|
| EDTA Whole Blood | RT | ≤24 h |
| EDTA Whole Blood | 2-8 C (not optimum for Microscopic exam) | 72 hours for EIA only |
| EDTA Whole Blood | -20 C or -70 C | N |
Availability
| Procedure | Performed | Turn Around Time (TAT) |
|---|---|---|
| Immunoassay (EIA) | 24/7 |
1 hour after receipt in Microbiology |
| Blood Stain | 24/7 | 24 hours |
Performing Laboratory
Seattle Children's Laboratory
Department
Microbiology Laboratory
CPT Codes
87207
87899
This test is not limited to the CPT codes listed. Others may be added as more testing is necessary and depending on the pathogens isolated (example: MIC's and ID codes)
Description
Includes a rapid Malaria Immunoassay and microscopic Blood Stain examination. Immunoassay results can determine the presence of Plasmodium falciparum or Plasmodium species not falciparum. The immunoassay results are confirmed by microscopy, which detects other Plasmodium (malaria) species, Borrelia recurrentis (relapsing fever), Babesia, Trypanosomes and Microfilariae.
Notifiable Result
Diagnosis of Plasmodium sp is reportable to the State Health Dept.
See Link below for Notifiable Conditions for WA state labs:
https://doh.wa.gov/public-health-healthcare-providers/notifiable-conditions
See Link below for PDF of phone numbers for Local Health jurisdictions (by County) in WA State:
https://www.doh.wa.gov/Portals/1/Documents/1200/LHJCommunicableDiseaseReporting.pdf
Reporting Information
Final Report: 24 - 48 hours