Test Code MISCLAB MALARIA, SMEAR (BLOOD PARASITE SCREEN, BABESIA SCREEN)
Additional Codes
Miscellaneous lab - send Stats to Nordx
Performing Laboratory
Nordx Laboratory
Specimen Requirements
SUBMIT 1 OF THE FOLLOWING SPECIMENS:
BLOOD: draw blood in a lavender-top (EDTA) tube, and send 5.0 mL of EDTA whole blood at ambient temperature only.
NOTE: Parasites may not be detected in EDTA specimen processed 4-6 hours after collection if parasitemia is low.
SMEARS: 2 thin blood films and 2 thick films made from fingerstick or drops of blood from needle following venipuncture. There should be no contact with any type of anticoagulant. To prepare blood films, use only clean, grease-free slides. Do not fix; air dry only. Send the slides in plastic slide containers. Forward promptly at ambient temperature only.
Day(s) Test Set Up
Monday through Sunday, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. only
Analytic time: 1 day
Reference Value
Negative - no malarial parasites observed
Critical value: Positive