Synonym(s):
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Parasitology;
malaria examination; Babesia
examination
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Requisition Form
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G-2B
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Test Description
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Microscopic
morphological examination for the detection and identification of blood
parasites
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Pre-Approval Needed
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N/A
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Supplemental Information Required
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- Travel
history
- Transfusion history
- Organism suspected
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Supplemental Form(s)
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N/A
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Performed on Specimens from (sources)
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• Prepared peripheral blood smears, thick and thin, and/or
• Whole blood (EDTA)
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Sample/Specimen Type for Testing
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Prepared
peripheral blood smears, thick and thin, and/or EDTA blood
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Minimum Volume/Size Required
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1 mL
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Storage/Preservation Prior to Shipping
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Ambient:
- Smears only
2-8°C (cold):
- Whole blood
- Smears may be submitted cold with whole blood specimens
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Transport Medium
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EDTA
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Specimen Labeling
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- Two patient-specific identifiers required (e.g., patient full name, date of birth, Medical record number)
- Identifiers on specimen must exactly match submission form.
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Shipping and Specimen Handling Requirements
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Ship samples:
- According to Dangerous Good Regulations, IATA, and/or CFR 49
- Handling as infectious agent using universal precautions
- Triple-contained in accordance with federal shipping regulations for infectious agents
- As Biological Substance Category B
- Cold on ice pack
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Method
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Microscopic
examination of giemsa stained thick and thin smears
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Turn-around Time
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2 days
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Interferences/Limitations
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- Blood
smears should be prepared as soon as possible after collection
- Antibiotics
may diminish the numbers of protozoa
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Common Causes for Rejection
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-
No specimen received;
- Expired media
- No identifiers on
container
- Unreadable blood smears
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Additional Information
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- Call Medical Parasitology at 512-776-7560
with questions about specimen collection and handling.
- Call
Lab Reporting at 512-776-7578 with questions about submission forms.
- Call
Specimen Acquisition at 512-776-7569 with questions about shipping.
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