Malaria - Blood

Test cannot be collected by Mobile Collection Service (MCS).

1 x 6 mL lavender top EDTA tube

Minimum 2 mL

Whole blood

Note:

• Hemolyzed specimens are acceptable for malaria testing
• Clotted specimens are unacceptable
•  A Malaria History Form completed by the Physican/Ordering Location must accompany the specimen. 

Refer to Malaria High Risk Countries.

DO NOT open tube.
DO NOT centrifuge.
DO NOT make blood smears. Refer to note below.

Specimen MUST be transported directly to the CLS DSC within 1 hour 40 minutes of collection and be received in Microbiology for processing within 2 hours of collection. Refer to exception below.

Make necessary courier/cab arrangements for transportation to meet this time expectation. Call the courier desk at 403-770-3311 for assistance and provide the time of specimen collection. Phone notification to Microbiology is no longer required.

Exception: Malaria specimens collected/received at South Health Campus (SHC) and/or High River laboratories will have initial testing performed at these locations before transport of the specimen and slides to the DSC. Follow site specific guidelines. At SHC, deliver Malaria specimens STAT to Microbiology; after hours, deliver to SHC Hematology.

NOTE: for specimens that may be delayed greater than 2 hours (i.e. sites outside the Calgary Region), a set of four (4) thick and six (6) thin smears should be made and submitted to the laboratory.
For instructions refer to CLS Form # MI6115 Malarial Smear Preparation - Out of Town Sites.

Transport STAT.

A completed Malaria History Form is required and should accompany the specimen.

Refer to CLS Form #M16002: Malaria History Form.
Refer to Malaria High Risk Countries.
NOTE: If the Malaria History Form is not immediately available, DO NOT delay delivery of the specimen while waiting for the completed form to arrive from the ordering location. Send specimen immediately, and fax the completed history form to 403-770-3293 when it is received.

Physicians may consult with the Microbiologist on Call at 403-770-3757 for clinical questions.