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Test Code LAB883 Malarial Smear

Additional Codes

44123

Reporting Title

Malaria

Methodology

Microscopic Examination of Blood Smears Including Smears Prepared by Concentration by Saponin Hemolysis

Used to diagnose malaria; evaluate febrile disease of unknown origin.

Performing Laboratory

OhioHealth Laboratory Services-RMH Core Laboratories

Specimen Requirements

Draw blood in 2 lavender-top (EDTA) tubes immediately before anticipated fever spike, and send EDTA whole blood. Mix by gently inverting 8 times. Forward unprocessed whole blood promptly at ambient temperature only. Do not refrigerate.

Note:  If patient has traveled to a malaria endemic area, date and area traveled should be specified on request form.

Specimen Transport Temperature

Ambient/Refrigerate NO/Frozen NO

Reference Values

No malarial parasites seen.

If parasites are present, it is reported as:

a) Presumptive positive.   All presumptive positive specimens will be sent to Mayo Medical Laboratory  for confirmation and speciation by molecular detection. (PCR)

b) Number of parasites seen per 100 RBCs will be reported.

 

Critical value: All positives

Alerting category: First instance always called within 8 hours

Day(s) Test Set Up

Monday through Friday

Test Classification and CPT Coding

87015 - thick smear

87207 - thin smear

87798 - Molecular Detection (if applicable)