Malaria, Molecular Detection, PCR, Varies

Casandra

Casandra Test Code MC70735Version 1 (DRAFT)

Performing Lab

Lab Mayo Clinic LabLab Test ID LCMALCPT Code 87798

Malaria, Molecular Detection, PCR, Varies

Clinical Use

Use

The Malaria, Molecular Detection, PCR test is primarily used to detect Plasmodium DNA and identify the infecting species. It serves as an adjunct to conventional microscopy of Giemsa-stained films, especially in cases of low parasitemia or suboptimal parasite morphology. It allows for the detection and confirmatory identification of the Plasmodium species: Plasmodium falciparum, Plasmodium vivax, Plasmodium ovale, Plasmodium malariae, and Plasmodium knowlesi. It should not be used to screen asymptomatic patients but is useful for confirmation of a presumptive malaria diagnosis where parasite morphology is unclear.

Special Instructions

This test is not performed on a STAT basis and should not be used as a primary screening test for malaria. It is intended for post-diagnosis confirmation or when a traditional blood film is inadequate due to the low quality of parasite morphology. Blood specimens and slides are both required for the test, and for efficient processing, the specimens must be handled according to specified preparation instructions. If the specimen cannot be delivered within 4 hours of collection, alternative testing methods should be considered. A Microbiology Test Request form is required if not ordering electronically.

Limitations

This test is qualitative and does not include a blood smear examination or calculation of parasitemia. It has limitations in detecting very low parasitemias, and in some cases, it may not differentiate mixed infections or closely related species such as Plasmodium ovale and Plasmodium vivax. The test does not distinguish between residual nucleic acid from treated infections and active parasitemias. It is not suitable for detecting other blood parasites like Babesia or Trypanosoma species. Care must be taken as transportation conditions and prior treatment can affect test accuracy.

Test Details

New York Approved