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Malaria/Babesia/Other Blood Parasites - (QUEST DIAGNOSTICS)

Description: Malaria is a serious, sometimes fatal infection of red blood cells caused by the bite of a carrier mosquito. Symptoms of malaria include high fever (up to 105°F or 40.6°C) with shaking chills, heavy sweating, fatigue, headache, abdominal pain and nausea and vomiting.
The identification of malarial parasites and other blood parasites is used to determine treatment and prognosis. Babesia and other blood parasite are noted and reported. Microfilaria can be detected from a giemsa stain. However, this test is not recommended for the detection of microfilaria.

Due to the cyclical shed rates of these parasites, one negative specimen does not rule out the possibility of a parasitic infection. It is recommended to obtain specimens at 6-hour intervals for 36 hours for a comprehensive examination. (Separate orders must be placed for each test to be performed, ordering this test one time only provides one specimen collection.)

Includes: Malaria/Babesia/Other Blood Parasites

Alternative Name(s):
Filariasis, Blood,
Babesia

Patient Instructions: Blood drawn 1 to 2 hours prior to expected chill will enhance recovery of malarial parasites by the laboratory. Due to the cyclical shed rates of these parasites, one negative specimen does not rule out the possibility of a parasitic infection. It is recommended to obtain specimens at 6-hour intervals for 36 hours for a comprehensive examination. (Separate orders must be placed for each test to be performed, ordering this test one time only provides one specimen collection.)

Estimated turnaround for results is 5 business days.

Categories: Blood and Blood Diseases


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