Laboratory Test Directory

Synonyms: Babesia, Malaria, Microfilaria

CPT4 Code: 87207

Test Order Mnemonic: O BP

Test Includes: 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.

Lab: Parasitology

Request Form: Microbiology

Collection: 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).

Causes for Rejection: Incorrect tube collected

Availability: Samples are accepted 24 hours per day at the Microbiology Processing Laboratory, Room 5.137 McCullough.

Turnaround Time: 1-2 days, thick smears must "dry" for eight hours before staining.

Specimen: Blood

Minimum Volume: 3 ml blood

Container: Lavender-topped (EDTA) tube or slides prepared at bedside.

Critical Values: Positive

Revised 6/22/2011 by T. Friloux