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HelpTest Code LAB883 Rapid Malaria/Babesia Smear, Varies
Additional Codes
SQ: MALAMA
MAYO: MAL
Reporting Name
Malaria/Babesia SmearUseful For
Rapid and accurate detection and species identification of Plasmodium
Detection of Babesia, trypanosomes, and some species of microfilariae
Performing Laboratory
Mayo Clinic Laboratories in Rochester
Specimen Type
VariesOrdering Guidance
Malaria is a potentially life-threatening disease and testing for this infection should be performed as rapidly as possible. Therefore, this test should not be used as a primary screening test for malaria, except for clients in the immediate Rochester, Minnesota area when the specimen can be delivered within several hours of collection. Laboratories that are unable to deliver a specimen within this time frame should provide an initial screen for malaria and other blood parasites in their laboratory prior to sending a specimen to Mayo Clinic Laboratories. This test is used for confirmation of a presumptive malaria diagnosis and determination of infecting Plasmodium species and percent parasitemia.
If filarial infection is suspected, FIL / Filaria, Blood is recommended since it is more sensitive than the traditional blood smear examination.
Specimen Required
Both blood and slides are required.
Specimen Type: Whole blood
Container/Tube: Lavender top (EDTA)
Specimen Volume: 1 mL
Collection Instructions:
1. Invert several times to mix blood.
2. Send whole blood specimen in original tube. Do not aliquot.
Specimen Type: Blood films
Slides: 2 Thin blood films and 2 thick blood films
Container/Tube: Plastic slide container
Collection Instructions:
1. Slides must be clean and grease-free.
2. Blood films should be made from fresh blood using fingerstick or drops of blood from needle following venipuncture. However, EDTA anticoagulated blood is also acceptable.
3. Prepare thin blood films as follows:
a. Prepare 2 thin smears with a slide prep machine. OR
b. Prepare a thin film with a "feathered edge" that is no more than a single cell thick.
c. Allow the film to thoroughly air dry and then fix by briefly immersing in either absolute or 95% methyl alcohol.
d. Allow to air dry after fixation.
4. Prepare thick blood films as follows:
a. Place a large drop of blood (approximately the size of a dime and preferably from a fingerstick) on a slide.
b. Using a corner of a second slide spread the drop in a circular motion while applying firm pressure to literally scratch the blood onto the carrier slide. This technique allows the blood to dry quickly and adhere well to the slide. Use approximately 20 circular sweeps with the second slide. The drop of blood should be about the size of a quarter when finished.
c. Do not fix. Air dry thoroughly (approximately 45 minutes) before placing in transport container.
Specimen Minimum Volume
Blood: 0.5 mL
Slides: See Specimen Required.
Specimen Stability Information
| Specimen Type | Temperature | Time | Special Container |
|---|---|---|---|
| Varies | Refrigerated (preferred) | ||
| Ambient | |||
Reference Values
Negative
If positive, organism identified and percent parasitemia calculated, if applicable.
Day(s) Performed
Monday through Sunday
Test Classification
This test has been cleared, approved, or is exempt by the US Food and Drug Administration and is used per manufacturer's instructions. Performance characteristics were verified by Mayo Clinic in a manner consistent with CLIA requirements.CPT Code Information
87207
LOINC Code Information
| Test ID | Test Order Name | Order LOINC Value |
|---|---|---|
| MAL | Malaria/Babesia Smear | 51714-4 |
| Result ID | Test Result Name | Result LOINC Value |
|---|---|---|
| MAL | Malaria/Babesia Smear | In Process |
Method Description
The thin blood film is fixed in methyl alcohol and stained with a Giemsa stain. The thick films are not fixed and are directly stained with Giemsa stain. The thick films are used for screening. When the thick film is positive, the thin films are used for species identification and the determination of the percent of infected red blood cells. The percentage of infected cells (percent parasitemia) is calculated by counting the number of infected red blood cells among 3000 to 100,000 red blood cells on the thin blood film. The result is expressed as a percentage (% parasitemia = number of infected red blood cells/total number of red blood cells counted x 100).(Unpublished Mayo method)
Report Available
1 to 2 daysReject Due To
| Gross hemolysis | Reject |
| Gross lipemia | Reject |
Method Name
Giemsa Stain
Forms
If not ordering electronically, complete, print, and send a Microbiology Test Request (T244) with the specimen.
Testing Algorithm
For information see Malaria Laboratory Testing Algorithm.