Test Overview
Test Methodology

Manual microscopy method and immunochromatograhpic assay for malaria antigen.

Test Usage

Diagnosis of malaria, or microfilaria infestation of blood. The malaria antigen test (Binax Now Malaria; Alere) is intended to aid in the rapid diagnosis of human malaria infections and to aid in the differential diagnosis of Plasmodium falciparum infections from other less virulent malarial infections. Negative results are confirmed by thin and thick smear microscopy.

Reference Range *

No malaria or microfilaria 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. 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
MALPB
MiChart Code
Malaria Smear (Includes Antigen Test)
Synonyms
  • GIMSA
  • Parasite Exam, Malaria Smear
  • Giemsa Stain
  • Malaria Smear
  • Microfilaria Smear
  • Parasite Exam, Microfilaria Smear
  • Filariasis, Peripheral Blood Preparation
  • MICROF
  • MALARIA / MICROFILARIA STAIN
  • MALARIA/MICROFILARIA SMEAR
  • MICROFILARIA DIRECT SMEAR
  • GIEMSA
  • Trypanosoma Blood Smear
  • Parasite Exam, Chagas Disease
  • Chagas Disease Blood Smear
  • Malaria Antigen
  • Babesiosis
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.
Red Top Tube
Normal Volume
3 mL EDTA K2 whole blood
Minimum Volume
2 mL EDTA K2 whole blood
Additional Information

Preliminary results include thin smear evaluation and malaria antigen testing, followed by a thick smear evaluation of stained slides. Test includes pathologist interpretation of results. This test is not available without interpretation. If slides/antigen test are positive for Plasmodium species, the species will be identified and confirmed by molecular detection via PCR method for the first time detected or when requested by pathologist or director.

Billing
CPT Code
87207, 87899
Fee Code
BA006, BA020
Pro Fee CPT
87207-26
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