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HelpTest Code LAB883 Blood Parasite Screen
Useful For
- Detection of blood parasites: Plasmodium, Babesia, trypanosomes, and some species of microfilariae
- The species identification and % parasitemia of Plasmodium when present
Methodology
Wright Stain
Performing Laboratory
Bozeman Health Laboratory Services
Specimen Requirements
Blood smear and EDTA whole blood are required.
Specimen Type: Blood smear
Container/Tube: Slide
Specimen Volume: 1 slide
Collection Instructions:
1. Submit 1 well-prepared, thin blood smear on clean, grease-free slide.
2. Prepare with a “feathered edge.” Smear should be no more than a single cell thick.
3. Do not fix. Allow smear to thoroughly air dry.
4. Label slide with patient’s full name (first and last) and date and time of collection.
5. Place slide in plastic slide holder.
Specimen Type: Whole blood
Container/Tube: Lavender top (EDTA)
Specimen Volume: Full tube
Collection Instructions: Send EDTA whole blood in original tube. Specimen must arrive within 6 hours.
Additional Infomation
- Thick and thin smears should be made as soon as possible. If the smears are prepared from anticoagulated blood that is more than 1 hour old, the morphology of both parasites and infected RBC's may not be typical.
Specimen Transport Temperature
Ambient
Specimen Stability
| Specimen Type | Temperature | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Whole blood (EDTA) | Ambient | 6 hours |
| Prepared slides | Ambient | 24 hours |
Reference Values
No organisms seen
Critical value (automatic call-back): Plasmodium sp., P. Falciparum, P. Malariae, P. Ovale, P. Vivax, or Other
% Parasitemia will be reported if Plasmodium sp. or Babesia sp. are reported.
Day(s) Test Set Up
Monday through Friday
Test Classification and CPT Coding
87207