Malaria Screening and Confirmation
Description:
Initial malaria screen by blood film and fluorescent microscopy examinations in order to assess presence of malarial parasites in peripheral blood.
Confirmatory follow up tests are performed using immunochromogenic technology and thick and thin films, which help identify the species. Parasite counts are reported for P. falciparum.
Final report and confirmation is made by lead Microbiologist.
A negative screening result does not exclude malaria. If clinically indicated, a repeat test should be performed.
Request must include recent travel history.
Due to recent concerns regarding VHF the laboratory cannot proceed with testing until information on travel history is received, this may delay testing if not received with initial request.
Confirmatory follow up tests are performed using immunochromogenic technology and thick and thin films, which help identify the species. Parasite counts are reported for P. falciparum.
Final report and confirmation is made by lead Microbiologist.
A negative screening result does not exclude malaria. If clinically indicated, a repeat test should be performed.
Request must include recent travel history.
Due to recent concerns regarding VHF the laboratory cannot proceed with testing until information on travel history is received, this may delay testing if not received with initial request.
Reference range:
n/a
Synonyms or keywords:
Malaria; QBC; Thick and Thin; ICT; MPI; MPC; Rapid Malaria Test.
Units:
N/A
Department:
Location:
Sample type and Volume required:
Whole Blood collected in EDTA bottle. (Purple Top)
1.0 mL
1.0 mL
Call in advance:
N/A
Turnaround time:
Routine: 1 day;
Urgent: Contact the Laboratory
Special sample instructions:
Interfering factors:
- Haemolysis;
- Insufficient volume;
- Aged sample;
- Clotted sample;
Please note that the laboratory may be unable to provide results whenever any of these factors interfere with the technical validity of the results; Report will be issued with an appropriate comment
Storage and transport:
Keep at room temperature;
Do not expose to extreme temperatures;
Sample stability: samples must arrive to the laboratory and be processed within 24h post collection.
Contacts:
Blood Sciences Department-Guy's And St Thomas' Hospital
St Thomas' Hospital
North Wing - 5th Floor
Westminster Bridge Road
London SE1 7EH
Contact: 020 7188 9247
Guy's Hospital
Southwark Wing - 4th Floor
Great Maze Pond
London SE1 9RT
Contact: 020 7188 4781
North Wing - 5th Floor
Westminster Bridge Road
London SE1 7EH
Contact: 020 7188 9247
Guy's Hospital
Southwark Wing - 4th Floor
Great Maze Pond
London SE1 9RT
Contact: 020 7188 4781
Haematology Laboratory at Guy's and St Thomas' Clinical Advisory Service
Routine hours: bleep 1358
Paediatrics Routine hours: bleep 1621
Out of hours, weekend and bank holidays: 17:00-9:00 bleep 0294
Paediatrics Routine hours: bleep 1621
Out of hours, weekend and bank holidays: 17:00-9:00 bleep 0294
Last updated: 13/08/2021
