Parasite Examination (Malaria) Blood Test
The Parasite Examination (Malaria) Blood Test helps to diagnose malaria.
Also Known As:
Blood Smear for Parasites; Loa loa Smear; Microfilarial Smear; Parasitology Examination for Malaria; Plasmodium Smear; Wuchereria Smear; Filariasis; Babesia
Methodology:
Wright stain; microscopic examination of thick and thin peripheral blood smears stained with Romanovsky dye (in particular Giemsa). Thick films are more difficult to interpret but greatly increase sensitivity (by concentrating cells and organisms). Thick smears require considerable experience with malaria, as they increase the number of cells examined in a given time period by a factor of about 12.1.
Preparation:
No special preparation is required.
Test Results:
2-4 days. May take longer based on weather, holiday or lab delays.
Walk-In Lab is prohibited from selling LabCorp tests to residents in the following states:NY, NJ, RI, MA, MD
Methodology:
Microscopic Examination with Giemsa stain. One negative observation cannot rule out blood parasites. Babesia and other blood parasites are noted and reported.
Preparation:
No special preparation is required.
Test Results:
3-6 days. May take longer based on weather, holiday or lab delays.
Walk-In Lab is prohibited from selling Quest tests to residents in the following states:AZ, NY, NJ, RI
What is the purpose of this test?
Order this Parasite Examination (Malaria) Blood Test to help detect the malaria parasite in the blood. Malaria is a severe infection induced by a parasite. Parasites are tiny organisms that survive by feeding off nutrients from the body of a host organism. After being bitten by infected mosquitos, the parasites that cause malaria are passed on to an individual. Initially, malaria symptoms may be similar to cold or flu symptoms. However, if left untreated, malaria can develop into a life-threatening condition.
Although malaria is not a contagious disease like a cold or flu, it can be spread from individual to individual by mosquitos. For example, if a mosquito bites an infected individual, it will pass on the parasite to anyone it bites afterward. Once bitten by the infected mosquito, the parasites will travel into the bloodstream. The parasites will then multiply inside the red blood cells and cause illness. Therefore, this Parasite Examination (Malaria) Blood Test detects indications of malaria infection in the blood.
Malaria is a disease most common in tropical and subtropical regions, with millions of people becoming infected and hundreds of thousands dying annually. Despite malaria being found in more than 87 countries, the country with the most infection and fatality rates is Africa. Malaria is a rare disease in the United States. But U.S. citizens who travel to Africa and other tropical countries have a higher risk of getting infected.
When should I order a Malaria Blood Test?
Individuals may order this Parasite Examination (Malaria) Blood Test if they are experiencing symptoms associated with a malaria infection. Common signs or symptoms of malaria infection may include the following:
- Fever
- Chills
- Fatigue
- Headache
- Body aches
- Nausea and vomiting
- High fever
- Bloody stools
- Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes)
- Seizures
- Mental confusion
