Parasites Smear (Giemsa Stain), Blood

Specimen Requirements

Title

Specimen Requirement

Transport 5mL whole blood (minimum 1mL). For best results, send five (5) thin blood smears (unstained, unfixed) AND five (5) thick smeras (unstained, unfixed) in addition to whole blood. Thin and thick blood smears should be prepared immediately or within 1 hour after collection

Methodology

Stability

Room temperature *only*; Refrigerated and Frozen samples are NOT acceptable

Reference Range

Turnaround

4-6 Days; Performed Sun-Sat

Clinical Use

Screen for and detect spirochetes and blood parasites, including microfilaria, Babesia, Trypanosoma and Plasmodium Species. Patient’s travel history is necessary to aid in test interpretation.

Test Code

PARSM