Malaria Screen

Department

Haematology

Delphic Registration Code (Alpha Code)

MAL, FBC

Test Code (Numeric Code)

1045

Laboratory Handling

Phlebotomy

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Sample Stability

Blood films should be made within 6 hours of collection to preserve parasite morphology.

Associated Tests

• Full blood count (FBC)

Synonyms

Malarial Parasites

Turnaround Time

1 hour

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 (Lavender Cap)

Minimum Sample Volume (ml)

1

A malarial screen consists of microscopic blood film examination and the ICT test for malarial antigens.

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.

P. falciparum is resistant to many commonly used antimalarial agents.

The relapsing form of malaria is caused by P. vivax or P. ovale

Contact Information