LAB3267
UH BLD PARA

UCH Inpatients and Outpatients:

• 4 mL purple, EDTA whole blood.

Clients:

• 4 ml purple , EDTA whole blood
• 4-6 thick blood smears, 4-6 peripheral blood smears unstained and unfixed
• Optional: one thin smear stained with Wright-Giemsa.
• Slides should be made within one hour of collection.
• Results of Malaria antigen test, if performed.

Directions: Spread fresh EDTA blood in the middle of slide, about the size of a quarter.  Should be thick enough to just read newsprint through. Make within one hour of specimen collection to optimize speciation.  Speciation may not be possible on slides made more than one hour after collection.  Document date and time slides were made on request form.

• Repeat specimens collected less than 8 hours after initial sample
• Sample not properly identified, incorrect container, insufficient volume, or past stability.

Internal: Deliver to lab immediately.
Offsite: Deliver to lab immediately. Do not centrifuge. Ambient (room) temperature is optimal. 

For optimum blood parasite detection and speciation, slides must be made from EDTA blood within one hour of collection.

• Blood Parasite test consists of a slide examination for Plasmodium (malaria) species, Babesia, Trypanosomes, and microfilariae. It may include a Malaria antigen test if not performed by the client.
• Include patient's travel history, primary or admitting diagnosis, and/if there is a history of Malaria with the order.
• For P. falciparum and Babesia species only, the percent of parasitized RBCs is used to determine the type of treatment given to a patient, and to assess the therapeutic response. Submit a second specimen at least 8 hours after treatment has been initiated to monitor parasitemia levels.
• If testing for trypnasomes or microfilariae, contact Infectious Disease Service for consultation of optimal collection times.

Giemsa Stain, thin and thick smears.

Same day, stat within 4 hours

LAB3267
UH BLD PARA

87207