Malarial Parasite Antigens (Blood)

Testing Laboratory

Department

Haematology

Delphic Registration Code (Alpha Code)

AAAA

Test Code (Numeric Code)

0000

Laboratory Handling

Sample Stability

Can be tested up to 72 hours after collection if refrigerated at 4 degrees C

Synonyms

Plasmodium falciparum antigen, pan-specific malarial antigen

Turnaround Time

2 hours

Available 24 hours

Specimen Type

• Whole Blood

Specimen Requirements

Tube/Container Type:

Preferred

• EDTA (Lavender Cap)

Preferred Sample Volume (ml)

3

Paediatric Specimen Requirements

Tube/Container Type:

Preferred

• EDTA (Microtainer)

Preferred Sample Volume (ml)

0.5

Pre-testing Requirements

If the patient has travelled to the Pacific island except Papua New Guinea, Vanuatu or the Solomon Islands, they are not at risk of malaria and malaria testing will not be performed. If you would like to discuss this further, please contact one of the Clinical Microbiologist or for after-hours, the on call ID/Micro SMO.

Additional Costing Information

For pricing inquiries, please contact us at 09 2760167

The test is specific for Plasmodium falciparum antigen and a pan-specific malarial antigen.

It is crucial to suspect malaria in any febrile patient who has been to an endemic area. It is also essential to distinguish P.falciparum from other species since P. falciparum can cause life threatening infection, such as cerebral malaria and black water fever. This organism can also cause severe pulmonary and renal failure.

Contact Information