Please contact PHL Client Response at 266-1500 (Option 1) to request a STAT courier pick-up.
Travel history (including dates) and previous malaria diagnosis are required at time of order entry.
Required travel and malaria history form
Blood taken just prior to the onset of fever is best. This is usually when parasitemia is the greatest. Since parasitemia may fluctuate, multiple blood draws may be needed. These can be taken at 8-12 hours over 2-3 days.
* This volume does not allow for repeat testing
Mix the EDTA tube by gentle inversion directly after collection.
Smears should be made within 2 hours of collection to prevent changes in the red cells and the parasite morphology.
Click link for thin prep slide preparation or go to this CDC Reference for more information on thin and thick slide preparation.
Clotted specimens
No Malarial Parasites Seen / Negative
Parasite present
Results are final verified by the pathologist. The presence of parasites is a critical lab value and if present on initial examination, will be called immediately to provider. Negative results will be called as a courtesy on the next business day.
12 to 24 hours
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