Sample type: Whole Blood

Test name: Malaria Parasites

Condition / Indication: For the detection and identification of blood borne parasites in patients blood. Microscopic examination is the the "gold standard" for confirmation of malaria, however, a rapid diagnostic antigen test is also performed as a supplementary test.

Special precautions & notes: Blood should be taken into EDTA and processed without delay as prolonged storage can make it difficult to differentiate the Malarial parasites. Samples should ideally be taken at spike of fever and sent to the laboratory within 4 hours of collection. Give details of travel and prophylaxis. Samples without travel history will be rejected. All positive cases are sent to London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine for confirmatory testing.

Reference range: Negative or Positive. Malaria parasite species and percentage parasitaemia included if applicable.

Container: EDTA (Lavender top)

Ideal volume (mL): 4 mL

Discipline: Haematology

Turnaround time: 24 hours, 7 working days if sent to Referral Laboratory for confirmation