Blood Parasite Smear (thin smear only)

The identification of malarial parasites (Plasmodium), Babesia, Trypanosoma, and other blood parasites is used to determine treatment and prognosis. Microfilaria can be detected from a Giemsa stain, but this test in not recommended for microfilaria detection. One negative result cannot rule out infection.

Portal Ordering Code: BPS
CPT Code(s): 87207

Fee Schedule

Storage and Transport Criteria: Specimen Storage Specimen Transport

Acceptable Specimens

Minimum Volume

Frozen Range
-70°C - 0°C

Refrigerated Range
0.1°C - 8°C

Room Temperature Range
8.1°C - 30°C

Stability at
4°C - 25°C

EDTA whole blood 1 mL EDTA whole blood Reject Acceptable store at 4°C Reject 8 hours

Fixed thin smears 2 prepared slides Reject Acceptable store at 4°C Acceptable 8 hours
Includes: Send whole blood to CDPH for malaria PCR
Methodology: Blood Smear Microscopic Examination
Assay Category: FDA Approved
Reference Range: See laboratory report
Alternative Names: Malaria
Preferred Specimen(s): EDTA whole blood
Alternative Specimen(s): Fixed thin smears
Minimum Volume: 1 mL EDTA whole blood

2 prepared slides
Special Instructions: Collect before treatment is initiated. Smears should prepared as soon as possible after collection.
Reject Criteria: Inadequately labeled specimens

Leaking specimens

QNS (quantities not sufficient)

Specimens not meeting the Storage & Transport criteria upon receipt at laboratory
Setup Schedule: Testing is performed on an as-needed basis.
Turn around time (TAT): 4 business days from arrival at the lab

Acceptable Specimens	Minimum Volume	Frozen Range -70°C - 0°C	Refrigerated Range 0.1°C - 8°C	Room Temperature Range 8.1°C - 30°C	Stability at 4°C - 25°C
		Specimen Storage			Specimen Transport
EDTA whole blood	1 mL EDTA whole blood	Reject	Acceptable store at 4°C	Reject	8 hours
Fixed thin smears	2 prepared slides	Reject	Acceptable store at 4°C	Acceptable	8 hours