Haematology
| Full details for "Malaria". | |
|---|---|
Name |
Malaria |
Alternative name/Profile |
|
Department |
Haematology |
Investigation |
|
Specimen type |
Peripheral Blood |
Sample type |
|
Sample container & volume |
4 ml EDTA Purple |
Frequency of analysis |
As required |
Turnaround time |
3 hours |
Availability |
On request |
Notes |
*N.B. Contact Haematology lab at 01 4103843 prior to venepuncture. Information required: Clinical Symptoms, Travel history in past year, Any prophylaxis taken and what type, whether treatment commenced and what form. Sample required in lab as soon as possible, preferably within one hour of venepuncture. A referral form must be completed for every request, to complete form click here In cases where there is strong clinical evidence of infection, but no parasites found in the initial films, further samples should be taken for examination at six to twelve hour intervals until malaria is excluded. Purpose of Test: Malaria is a life-threatening illness caused by the Plasmodium parasite. It is transmitted via the infected bite of the Anopheles mosquito. In the human body, the parasites multiply in the liver and then infect red blood cells. Symptoms of malaria include fever, chills, headache and vomiting, and symptoms usually appear between 10 and 15 days after the mosquito bite. If not treated, malaria can quickly become life-threatening by disrupting the blood supply to vital organs. There are 5 species of Plasmodium that cause malaria in humans Plasmodium falciparum, Plasmodium vivax, Plasmodium ovale, Plasmodium malariae and Plasmodium knowlesi. Laboratory diagnosis of malaria is performed on EDTA blood. Firstly, the Malaria antigen test is performed and is designed as a screening test for the presence of P Falciparum and other pan specific species. Thick and thin blood films are also made and examined on ALL malaria samples. These must be made within 2 hours of sample collection. Haem-Form-0025 Malaria request form (see link below) should be filled out for both GP and internal requests for Malaria Screen so that all relevant clinical details, travel history and contact details are recorded. The requesting Clinician must phone the laboratory with all relevant details and must supply an Out of hours contact number |
Related links |
|
Reference range |
Normally negative.
|
Last updated |
Wed, 04 Feb 2026 14:02:09 GMT |