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 Test Performed

Daily, 24 hours

Analytic Time

24 hours

Soft Order Code

MALPB

MiChart Code

Malaria Smear (Includes Antigen Test)

Synonyms

Laboratory

Hematopathology

STAT Availability

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

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Specimen Requirements

Offsite 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.

Container

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.

Billing Information

Fee Codes

CPT Code

87207, 87899

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