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BLOOD PARASITE EXAM: (088-0036)
Clinical Indication:

 Suspected infection with blood parasites such as malaria (Plasmodium spp.), or Trypanosomes, or Babesia
Test Mnemonic:

 O BP
Methodology:

 Examination of thick and thin smears of blood cells to observe and identify blood parasites. Thick smears are examined for the presence of parasites and the thin smears are examined to identify the blood parasite.
Performed:

 Microbiology
Turnaround Time:

 2-48 hours
Specimen Requirements: Collect: Lavender topped tubes (EDTA) and slides. Routine venipuncture; specimens should be collected every six hours over a 24-hour period prior to antimalarial drug administration. The recommended collection method is to collect finger stick blood and place on microscope slides, 3 for thick smears (pooled) and 3 for thin smears (feathered out).

Specimen Preparation: No process, let slides completely air dry.

Storage/Transport: Transport immediately, do not refrigerate

Stability: 24 hours

Causes for Rejection: Improper tube collected
Clinical Information:

Travel history
Reference Range:

No parasites observed
Note:

 This is a critical value and the LIP will be notified of first event.
CPT 4 Code:

 87207
Review [9/17/2012] by [T. Friloux]

When ordering tests for which Medicare or Medicaid reimbursement will be sought, physicians should only order tests that are medically necessary for the diagnosis or treatment of the patient.  Components of the organ or disease panels may be ordered individually.  The diagnostic information must substantiate all tests ordered and must be in the form of an ICD-9 code or its verbal equivalent.

 

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