Quick Facts
- Sample: Blood
- Fasting: No special preparation or fasting is required. Blood collection is recommended when symptoms, such as fever or chills, are present.
- Turnaround: 3-6 business days. May take longer based on weather, holiday, or lab delays.
What This Test Measures
The Malaria, Babesia & Other Blood Parasites Blood Test looks for parasites in your bloodstream, including those responsible for malaria and babesiosis. It uses microscopic examination of stained blood smears, so the lab directly looks for parasites in your blood sample.
The test is built around this single smear method and uses a blood specimen. It identifies the presence of parasites rather than measuring a hormone, protein, or other blood chemistry value. It is one piece of information your healthcare provider can use, and it does not confirm or rule out a diagnosis on its own.
Benefits
- Looks directly for parasites in your bloodstream.
- Includes malaria, babesiosis, and other blood parasites.
- Uses microscopic examination of stained blood smears.
- Supports your provider's evaluation of unexplained illness after travel or tick exposure.
- Requires no fasting or special preparation.
Who Is This Test For?
- Adults with fever, chills, or fatigue who want to check for blood parasites.
- Travelers with unexplained illness after returning from a trip.
- People with unexplained illness following tick exposure.
- Anyone whose provider is evaluating a possible parasitic infection.
How It Works
- Order Your Test Online
- Visit a Local Lab
- Get Results Online
FAQ
1. What is the purpose of this test?
This test checks your blood for parasites, including those responsible for malaria and babesiosis, using stained blood smears examined under a microscope. The findings can help your healthcare provider evaluate a possible parasitic infection. It does not diagnose a condition by itself and is not a complete evaluation.
2. Who would benefit from this test?
It is most relevant for adults with symptoms such as fever, chills, fatigue, or unexplained illness, particularly after travel or tick exposure. It may also suit anyone whose healthcare provider is considering a blood parasite infection. Not everyone with these symptoms will need it, so your provider can help decide.
3. When should I order this test?
Consider this test when you feel unwell after returning from travel or after a tick exposure and the cause is unclear. It is also a practical option when you have fever or chills, since blood collection is recommended while symptoms are present. It does not replace a medical evaluation.
4. What does this test measure?
This test measures the presence of parasites in a blood specimen, including those responsible for malaria and babesiosis. The lab examines stained blood smears under a microscope, so the result comes from direct visual review rather than a calculated value or ratio. It covers this one method and does not include other related tests.
5. Do I need to fast before this test?
No special preparation or fasting is required. Blood collection is recommended when symptoms, such as fever or chills, are present.
6. How quickly will I get results?
Expect results in 3-6 business days. May take longer based on weather, holiday, or lab delays.
7. How do I interpret the results?
Meaning depends on what the lab sees in your sample and on the context around it, including your symptoms, travel or tick exposure history, and when the blood was collected relative to your symptoms. A smear reflects a single sample, so one finding is not a full conclusion. Your healthcare provider can interpret it alongside your other information.
Disclaimer: Reference ranges may vary by laboratory. Listed ranges are general guidelines and may differ from those used by the performing lab. Always consult your healthcare provider for interpretation.
8. What should I do if my results are abnormal?
Share your results with a qualified healthcare provider as soon as you can. They can review the findings with your symptoms and history and decide whether anything further is needed. An abnormal result is not a diagnosis by itself, and next steps are best guided by your provider.
9. How often should I get tested?
There is no set schedule for this test. Testing is typically tied to when symptoms or exposures prompt a concern, so repeat testing is best done as directed by your healthcare provider. More frequent testing is not always better, and your provider can advise what fits your situation.
Pre-test preparation
No special preparation or fasting is required. Blood collection is recommended when symptoms, such as fever or chills, are present.
