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labinfo@dshs.texas.gov

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Specimen Receiving
Monday-Friday, 8 am - 5 pm
Phone: 512-776-7598

MalariaPlas

Malaria (Plasmodium spp.) – PCR

Laboratory Fee Schedule

Procedure: MMB0030A

CPT: 87798

Synonym(s):	P. falciparum, P. vivax, P. ovale, P. malariae, malaria
Requisition Form	G-2B.
Test Description	Detection of low-level parasitemia below the detection of blood-smear examination for the four most common Plasmodium spp. that cause malaria in humans.
Pre-Approval Needed	N/A
Supplemental Information Required	N/A
Supplemental Form(s)	N/A
Performed on Specimens from (sources)	Human
Sample/Specimen Type for Testing	Blood samples, fresh, cold or frozen, or treated (See “Transport Medium”)
Minimum Volume/Size Required	>= 200 µL
Storage/Preservation Prior to Shipping	Samples processed and submitted by Medical Parasitology Team
Transport Medium	Citrate, heparin, or EDTA. Typical sample is collected in a purple top vacutainer.
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.
Shipping and Specimen Handling Requirements	Ship according to Dangerous Goods Regulations, IATA, and/or CFR 49. For PCR testing only, sample may be maintained at ambient temperature, refrigerated, or frozen. For blood smear/slide test, sample must be refrigerated and not frozen.
Method	Real-time PCR
Turn-around Time	48 business hours from receipt.
Interferences/Limitations	N/A
Common Causes for Rejection	Insufficient specimen and/or Failure to meet submission/shipping guidelines. Dried blood specimen
Additional Information	PCR test may be paired with blood smear/slide test.