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HelpTest Code MALCT Plasmodium Percent Parasitemia Reflex, Varies
Secondary ID
610710Reporting Name
Plasmodium Percent Parasitemia RflxSpecimen Type
VariesSpecimen Stability Information
| Specimen Type | Temperature | Time | Special Container |
|---|---|---|---|
| Varies | Refrigerated (preferred) | 7 days | |
| Ambient | 7 days |
Performing Laboratory
Mayo Clinic Laboratories in Rochester
CPT Code Information
87207
LOINC Code Information
| Test ID | Test Order Name | Order LOINC Value |
|---|---|---|
| MALCT | Plasmodium Percent Parasitemia Rflx | 53556-7 |
| Result ID | Test Result Name | Result LOINC Value |
|---|---|---|
| MALCT | Plasmodium Percent Parasitemia Rflx | 53556-7 |
Specimen Required
Only orderable as a reflex. For more information see LMALP / Malaria PCR with Parasitemia Reflex, Varies.
Specimen Type: Blood films
Container/Tube: Clean, grease-free slides in plastic slide container
Specimen Volume: 2 Thin blood films and 2 thick blood films
Collection Instructions:
1. Blood films should be made from fresh blood using fingerstick or drops of blood from needle following venipuncture. However, EDTA anticoagulated blood is also acceptable.
2. Prepare thin blood films as follows:
 a. Prepare a thin film with a "feathered edge" that is no more than a single cell thick.
 b. Allow the film to thoroughly air dry and then fix by briefly immersing in either absolute or 95% methyl alcohol.
 c. Allow to air dry after fixation.
3. Prepare thick blood films as follows:
 a. Place a large drop of blood (approximately the size of a dime and preferably from a fingerstick) on a slide.
 b. Using a corner of a second slide, spread the drop in a circular motion while applying firm pressure to literally scratch the blood onto the carrier slide. This technique allows the blood to dry quickly and adhere well to the slide. Use approximately 20 circular sweeps with the second slide. The drop of blood should be about the size of a quarter when finished.
 c. Do not fix. Air dry thoroughly (approximately 45 minutes) before placing in transport container.
Useful For
Calculating percent parasitemia, which can be used to predict prognosis and monitor response to treatment for patients with malaria
Testing Algorithm
Slides submitted for malaria parasitemia reflex are used for percent parasitemia analysis.
This test may be added to positive LCMAL / Malaria, Molecular Detection, PCR, Varies by physician request only.
Method Name
Only orderable as a reflex. For more information see LMALP / Malaria PCR with Parasitemia Reflex, Varies.
Giemsa Stain
Reject Due To
All specimens will be evaluated at Mayo Clinic Laboratories for test suitability.Clinical Information
Malaria is a potentially life-threatening disease caused by Plasmodium species. Diagnosis is traditionally performed by microscopic examination of Giemsa-stained thick and thin blood films. However, polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing can also be used for sensitive and specific detection. When positive, PCR results should be followed by calculation of percent parasitemia from blood film examination. The degree of parasitemia is used to predict prognosis as well as monitor response to treatment for patients with malaria.
Reference Values
Only orderable as a reflex. For more information see LMALP / Malaria PCR with Parasitemia Reflex, Varies.
A percent parasitemia is provided following a positive result for LMALP / Malaria PCR with Parasitemia Reflex, Varies.
Interpretation
The percentage of parasitemia represents the percentage of infected red blood cells. This is calculated from representative microscopic fields on the thin blood film. Plasmodium gametocytes are not included in the calculation since they are not infectious to humans and are not killed by most antimalarial drugs.
Method Description
The percentage of infected cells (percent parasitemia) is calculated by counting the number of infected red blood cells among 3000 to 100,000 red blood cells on the thin blood film. The result is expressed as a percentage (% parasitemia = number of infected red blood cells/total number of red blood cells counted x 100).(Unpublished Mayo method)
Day(s) Performed
Monday through Friday
Test Classification
This test has been cleared, approved, or is exempt by the US Food and Drug Administration and is used per manufacturer's instructions. Performance characteristics were verified by Mayo Clinic in a manner consistent with CLIA requirements.Specimen Minimum Volume
See Specimen Required