Test Overview
Test Methodology

Manual microscopy method and immunochromatograhpic assay for malaria antigen.

Test Usage

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.

Reference Range *

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.

Test Limitations

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
Days Set Up
Daily, 24 hours
Analytic Time

24 hours

Soft Order Code
BPSCN
MiChart Code
BPSCN
Laboratory
Hematopathology
Section
Hematology
STAT Availability

STAT requests for this test will be performed on a STAT basis (supervisory staff approval is not required).

Specimen Requirements
Collection Instructions

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.

Alternate Specimen
Any EDTA K2 collection tube is acceptable, including, but not limited to Pink top EDTA K2 and Tan top EDTA K2 tubes.
Normal Volume
3 mL EDTA K2 whole blood
Minimum Volume
2 mL EDTA K2 whole blood
Rejection Criteria
Clotted specimens will be rejected
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.

Billing
CPT Code
87207, 87899
Pro Fee CPT
87207-26
LOINC
24429-3, 70569-9