Unit Code 9240:
Malaria/Babesia Smear
Specimen Required
Blood and slides are required for this test.
Blood
Draw blood in a lavender-top (EDTA) tube, and send 1 mL of EDTA
whole blood in original VACUTAINER(S). Invert several times to mix blood.
Do not transfer blood to other containers. Send unprocessed whole blood
refrigerated. Specimen cannot be frozen.
Note: If ordering electronically, no form is required with the specimen.
If not ordering electronically, please complete and submit a
"Microbiology Request Form" (Supply T244) with the specimen.
Blood Films
Submit 2 thin blood films and 2 thick blood films made from fingerstick
or drops of blood from needle following venipuncture. There should
be no contact with any type of anticoagulant. To prepare blood films,
use only clean, grease-free slides.
Thin Blood Films
Prepare with a "feathered edge"; should be no more than a single
cell thick. Allow film to thoroughly air dry and then fix by briefly
immersing it in either absolute or 95% methyl alcohol. Allow to air dry.
Send the slides in plastic slide containers. Forward promptly at
ambient temperature only.
Note: If ordering electronically, no form is required with the specimen.
If not ordering electronically, please complete and submit a
"Microbiology Request Form" (Supply T244) with the specimen.
Thick Blood Films
Place a large drop of blood (preferably from a fingerstick) on
a slide. Using a corner of a second slide, spread the drop by
literally scratching the carrier slide to make the blood adhere.
The drop of blood should start out the size of a dime and be
about the size of a quarter when finished. Do not fix. Air dry
thoroughly (approximately 45 minutes) before placing in transport
container.
Send the slides in plastic slide containers. Forward
promptly at ambient temperature only.
Note: If ordering electronically, no form is required with the specimen.
If not ordering electronically, please complete and submit a
"Microbiology Request Form" (Supply T244) with the specimen.
Transport Temperature
Refrig\Ambient OK\Frozen NO-Blood
Ambient\Refrig OK\Frozen NO-Slides
Reject Due To
Specimens Other Than NA
Anticoagulants Other Than: NA
Hemolysis: NA
Thawing: NA
Lipemia: NA
Day(s) and Time(s) Test Performed
Monday through Sunday; Continuously
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