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: 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.

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.

Transport STAT.

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.
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.

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.