| Synonym(s): |
Parasitology, Parasite, malaria examination, Babesia examination, Babesiosis, Plasmodium falciparum, Plasmodium malariae, Plasmodium vivax, Plasmodium ovale, American trypanosomiasis, Trypanosoma cruzi, Trypanosoma brucei, Chagas Disease, African Sleeping sickness, Loa loa, Microfilaria, Loiasis, Brugia malayi, Wuchereria bancrofti, filariasis, Onchocerca volvulus |
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| Requisition Form |
G-2B |
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| Test Description |
Microscopic morphological examination for the detection and identification of blood parasites |
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| Pre-Approval Needed |
N/A |
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| Supplemental Information Required |
- Travel history
- Transfusion history
- Organism suspected
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| Supplemental Form(s) |
N/A |
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| Performed on Specimens from (sources) |
Human |
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| Sample/Specimen Type for Testing |
- Two sets of prepared peripheral blood smears, thick and thin, stained or unstained and/or
- Whole blood (EDTA)
- A combination of all the above is preferred
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| Minimum Volume/Size Required |
1 mL |
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| Storage/Preservation Prior to Shipping |
Ambient:
Refrigerated 2-8°C (cold):
- Whole blood
- Smears can be submitted cold with whole blood specimens
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| Transport Medium |
EDTA |
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| Specimen Labeling |
- Two patient-specific identifiers required (e.g., patient full name, date of birth, Medical record number)
- Identifiers on specimen must exactly match submission form.
- For blood smears, all slides must have least two patient identifiers -OR- one patient-specific identifier with at least two identifiers on the slide box.
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| Shipping and Specimen Handling Requirements |
Ship samples:
- according to Dangerous Good Regulations, IATA, and/or CFR 49
- handling as infectious agent using universal precautions
- triple-contained in accordance with federal shipping regulations for infectious agents
- as Biological Substance Category B
- cold on ice packs
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| Method |
Microscopic examination of giemsa stained thick and thin smears |
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| Turn-around Time |
3 days |
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| Interferences/Limitations |
- Blood smears should be prepared as soon as possible after collection
- Antibiotics may diminish the numbers of protozoa
- For suspected microfilaria infections, call for optimal collection times
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| Common Causes for Rejection |
- No specimen received
- Expired media
- No identifiers on container
- Unreadable blood smears
- Stained thin smear received unfixed
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| Additional Information |
- Call Medical Parasitology at 512-776-7560 with questions about specimen collection and handling.
- Call Lab Reporting at 512-776-7578 with questions about submission forms.
- Call Specimen Acquisition at 512-776-7569 with questions about shipping.
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