Laboratory Fee Schedule
Procedure #: MMB0030A
CPT: 87798
| Synonym(s): | Plasmodium falciparum, P. vivax, P. ovale, P. malariae, malaria |
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| Requisition Form | G-2B. |
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| 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. |
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| Pre-Approval Needed | N/A |
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| Supplemental Information Required | N/A |
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| Supplemental Form(s) | N/A |
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| Performed on Specimens from (sources) | Human |
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| Specimen Type for Testing | Whole bloodspecimens; fresh, cold or frozen, or treated. See “Transport Medium”. |
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| Minimum Volume/Size Required | ≥200 µL |
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| Storage/Preservation Prior to Shipping | - Specimens processed and submitted by Medical Parasitology Team.
- Store EDTA whole blood specimens at 2°C–8°C. (Specimen must be shipped overnight to the Lab.)
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| Transport Medium | - Citrate, heparin, or EDTA
- Typical sample is collected in an EDTA (lavender top) vacutainer.
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| Specimen Labeling | - At least two patient identifiers are required on specimen tube (e.g., patient full name, date of birth, medical record number).
- Three patient identifiers.
- Patient identifiers on specimen label must exactly match identifiers on submission form (e.g., abbreviated name on label and full name on form is not acceptable.)
- Additional DSHS Laboratory specimen labeling guidelines available online here.
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| Shipping and Specimen Handling Requirements | - Ship overnight according to Dangerous Goods Regulations, IATA, and/or CFR 49.
- Category B Biological Substance, UN3373 shipping requirements apply.
- Handle as infectious agent using universal precautions.
- Submitters are responsible for packaging and shipping specimens according to regulatory requirements.
- Ship specimens overnight Monday–Thursday to avoid weekend deliveries.
- Ship cold and overnight at 2°C–8°C with ice packs in an insulated container. Do not use dry ice.
- Additional DSHS Laboratory specimen labeling guidelines online here.
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| Method | Real-time PCR |
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| Turn-around Time | 48 business hours from receipt of specimen |
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| Interferences/Limitations | N/A |
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| Common Causes for Rejection | - insufficient specimen volume
- failure to meet submission/shipping requirements
- Blood specimen dried up
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| Additional Information | PCR test may be paired with blood smear/slide test |
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