Parasite blood smear examination

TEST DESCRIPTION

Preparation and examination of thick and thin blood smears for bloodborne parasites, including Plasmodium (malaria), Babesia, and Trypanosoma species. Differential staining uses a modification of the classical Wright’s staining procedure.

Methodology

Microscopic examination of stained blood smear

Reference range

Negative (no blood parasites seen)

TEST FREQUENCY & RESULT AVAILABILITY

Performed daily. Results are typically available within one business day after specimen receipt.

ACCEPTABLE SPECIMEN TYPES AND COLLECTION

• Blood in EDTA tube (lavender-top)
• Thick and thin blood smears, 2 of each (stained or unstained)
• Detailed collection instructions appear below

SPECIMEN STORAGE

Blood in EDTA: store at room temperature (15–25°C/59–77°F) for up to 24 hours.

Unstained slides: store at room temperature (15–25°C/59–77°F) for up to 30 days.

SPECIMEN TRANSPORT

Shipping conditions should follow the temperature and time requirements outlined above.

REJECTION CRITERIA

• Holding time greater than 24 hours for blood in EDTA or 30 days for unstained slides
• Specimens not maintained at room temperature
• Unlabeled specimens or slides
• Specimen container has leaked or is not sealed properly 

CODES

CPT: 87207

LOINC: 17784-0

Test code: 4040

TEST FEE

Refer to the current fee schedule.

DETAILED SPECIMEN COLLECTION INSTRUCTIONS

1. Collect venous blood in an EDTA tube, with the draw date and time as well as the patient’s name marked on the tube.
2. Optional: Make a minimum of two (2) thick and two (2) thin smears as soon as possible or WITHIN 4 HOURS OF COLLECTION. DO NOT FIX. 
   1. Smears may be prepared from venous or capillary blood. 
   2. Stained smears (e.g., Giemsa) may also be submitted.