Description
Malaria is a disease caused by Plasmodium sp., a parasite that resides in the RBC’s and the liver. Different stages of its life cycle may be detected in a blood smear of infected patients.
Indications
One negative result does not rule out the possibility of parasitic infestation. For optimal detection of malarial organisms, blood should be drawn immediately prior to an expected fever spike. It is important to determine the parasite load when blood films are reviewed and found to be positive for malaria parasites because this information may be used to guide treatment decisions and monitor the response to therapy. Due to the potential for drug resistance in some of the Plasmodium species, particularly P. falciparum, it is important that every positive smear be assessed and the parasite load reported exactly the same way on follow-up specimens as on the initial specimen. This allows the parasite load to be monitored after therapy has been initiated. The parasite load will usually drop very quickly within the first 24 hours; however, in cases of drug resistance, the level may not decrease, but actually increase over time. Samples testing positive should be reported to the Ministry of Health, according to Jordanian regulations.
Sample Type, Quantity & Conditions
2 ml EDTA Whole Blood Room Temperature
Special Precautions
Samples should be taken within 2 Hrs of febrile attack, otherwise parasites may not be found.
Normal Range
Negative
