Test Directory
Malarial Parasite Screen
Containers - Adult
Pink Capped EDTA Blood
|
Volume Range
2.6ml EDTA tube with >1.5ml required
Additive per Container
EDTA |
Containers - Child
|
Pink Capped EDTA Blood
|
Volume Range
1.2ml K3 EDTA tube
Additive per Container
EDTA |
Reference ranges
Negative.
Laboratory Site
Old Dalkeith Road
Edinburgh
EH16 4SA
Howden
Livingston
West Lothian
EH54 6PP
Edinburgh
EH4 2XU
Transport arrangements
Specimen must be transported immediately within a plastic sealable bag or other suitable container. Malaria is considered a medical emergency - please contact the laboratory to alert them the sample is in transit.
Sample storage arrangements
Optimally test is performed within 2 hours of collection
How to request
Request form or Trak
Availability
No restrictions: Malaria is considered a medical emergency - please contact the laboratory to alert them the sample is in transit.
Anticipated turnaround
4 hours from arrival in laboratory
What happens if the result is positive or abnormal
The laboratory will phone the results of this test as soon as they are available. Please provide a telephone/ bleep number.
General additional information
The Patients FULL travel history MUST be documented in the request, as this information aids in the speciation of Malaria. The Malarial Parasite screen comprises an Antigen test, and Thick and Thin blood Films are viewed. A Full Blood Count is always performed alongside the Malarial Parasite screen. In line with Scottish Public Health Act (2008) all specimens testing positive for Plasmodium species will be reported to Health Protection Scotland by the Diagnostic Laboratory and will be forwarded to undergo confirmatory testing at the Scottish Parasite Diagnostic Reference Laboratory