Methodology
Microscopic Examination with Giemsa stain
Synonyms
Filariasis; Babesia
Specimen Type
Whole Blood
Performing Lab
Quest Diagnostics San Juan Capistrano
Epic ID
Other Reference Test
Lab Test Days
Monday-Saturday
Standard TAT
2-4 Days
Collection Information
Specimen Required
1 mL Whole Blood
Container Type
Lavender (EDTA)
Collection Instructions
1-2 Thick and 1-2 thin air-dried blood smears in a slide holder are also acceptable. 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.
Processing Information - Lab Use Only
Transport Temperature
Ambient-Only
Specimen Stability
Room Temp: 30 Days (24 Hours for Whole Blood); Refrigerated: Unacceptable; Frozen: Unacceptable
Rejection Criteria
Hemolysis; Clotted blood; Frozen blood; Age-deteriorated blood cells (EDTA blood older than 48 hours)
Test Volume Required
1 mL Whole Blood
Minimum Test Volume
1 mL Whole Blood
CPT Codes
87207
Revised
09-27-22