Parasites Smear (Giemsa Stain), Blood
Also known as: GIEMSA
Use
This test is used to screen for and detect blood parasites including microfilaria, Babesia, Trypanosoma, and Plasmodium species. It is critical for the diagnosis and management of parasitic infections, such as malaria and Chagas disease. Patient travel history is necessary to assist in interpreting the results as certain parasites are endemic to specific regions.
Special Instructions
Rapid diagnosis of malaria is crucial for appropriate patient management. Specimens for malaria and Babesia are for confirmation only from clients outside the immediate Salt Lake City, Utah area. A travel history is required for result interpretation.
Limitations
The examination of smears from multiple specimens might be necessary due to the intermittent nature of parasitemia. For accurate diagnosis of malaria, it's recommended to examine three specimens taken at six to eight-hour intervals on three successive days, irrespective of clinical symptoms.
New York Approved
Methodology
Stain
Biomarkers
LOINC Codes
- 51714-4
Result Turnaround Time
1-2 days
Related Documents
For more information, please review the documents below
Specimen
Whole Blood
Volume
5 mL
Minimum Volume
1 mL
Container
Lavender (EDTA) or pink (K2EDTA)
Collection Instructions
Blood smears should be prepared immediately or within 1 hour after collection. Thin smears are made as per routine hematology differentials. Thick smears are made by dropping 10 to 20 uL of blood onto a slide and spreading it into a dime-sized area with a glass, wooden, or plastic applicator.
Storage Instructions
Specimen must be received within 24 hours of collection.
Causes for Rejection
Whole blood in anticoagulants other than EDTA or K2EDTA
Stability Requirements
| Temperature | Period |
|---|---|
| Room Temperature | 24 hours |
| Refrigerated | Unacceptable |
| Frozen | Unacceptable |