Test Overview
Manual microscopy method and immunochromatograhpic assay for malaria antigen.
Used for diagnosis of malaria, microfilaria, trypanosomes, or babesia involving blood. The malaria antigen test (Binax Now Malaria; Abbott) is intended to aid in the rapid diagnosis of human malaria infections only and to aid in the differential diagnosis of Plasmodium falciparum infections from other less virulent malarial infections. Rapid antigen results are confirmed by thin and thick smear microscopy.
No malaria, microfilaria, trypanosomes, or babesia parasites identified. Negative for malaria antigens.
* Reference ranges may change over time. Please refer to the original patient report when evaluating results.
One negative result does not rule out the possibility of parasitic infection. Malaria antigen test not recommended for asymptomatic screening. Clinical performance of the malaria antigen test has not been adequately established for P. ovale and P. malariae.
Test Details
24 hours
- Blood Smear for Parasites Symptomatic Patients
- Chagas Disease Blood Smear
- Malaria Smear Symptomatic Patients
- Plasmodium Smear Symptomatic Patients
- Microfilaria Smear Symptomatic Patients
- Trypanosome Smear Symptomatic Patients
- Babesia Smear Symptomatic Patients
- Trypanosoma Blood Smear
- Blood Parasite Screen
- Filariasis Blood Smear
- Malaria Antigen
- Babesiosis Blood Smear
STAT requests for this test will be performed on a STAT basis (supervisory staff approval is not required).
Specimen Requirements
Collect specimen in a lavender top EDTA K2 tube. Send intact specimen at room temperature as soon as possible within 24 hours of collection. Specimens should be drawn immediately before a fever spike is anticipated.
Additional Information
Results include thin smear evaluation and malaria antigen testing, followed by a thick smear evaluation. Test includes pathologist interpretation of results. This test is not available without interpretation. If the sample is positive for Plasmodium species, the species will be identified and confirmed by PCR method on the first positive sample or when requested by pathologist.