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Test Description
A blood slide for malaria parasites involves examining a drop of the patient’s blood, spread out as a “blood smear” on a microscope slide, to identify malaria parasites. The specimen is stained, most often with the Giemsa stain, to give the parasites a distinctive appearance[1]. This technique remains the gold standard for laboratory confirmation of malaria[1].
Indications of the Test
The test is used to diagnose malaria infections, determine the species of malaria parasite, and monitor the progress of the disease as well response to treatment.
Microscopy for malaria parasites is the WHO gold standard for diagnosis of the disease.
Patient Preparation/Instructions
1. A small drop of blood is taken from the patient, usually from a finger prick
2. The blood is spread out as a thin or thick smear on a pre-cleaned, labeled slide[2]
3. The smear is allowed to dry and is then fixed by dipping it in absolute methanol[2].
Interpretation of Results
The test results can show:
– No parasites present in red blood cells[3].
– Parasites present in red blood cells, with the infecting species of Plasmodium identified[3].
– The percentage of red blood cells infected by the Plasmodium parasite (density) determined[3].
Turnaround Time
The turnaround time for this test is typically 2-6 hours for staining the smear after it dries. Urgent cases are given priority and results can be availed in 20-30 minutes.
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Medically reviewed by:
Dr Mwaura Joseph
Related Tests:
Malaria Rapid test
Malaria PCR Test
References
[1] CDC – Malaria – Diagnosis & Treatment (United States) – Diagnosis (U.S.) https://www.cdc.gov/malaria/diagnosis_treatment/diagnosis.html
[2] Blood Specimens – Specimen Processing https://www.cdc.gov/dpdx/diagnosticprocedures/blood/specimenproc.html
[3] Thick and Thin Blood Smears for Malaria https://myhealth.alberta.ca/Health/Pages/conditions.aspx?hwid=hw118744
[4] How to identify the type of malaria on a blood smear | Medmastery https://www.medmastery.com/guides/malaria-clinical-guide/how-identify-type-malaria-blood-smear
[5] Thick And Thin Blood Smears For Malaria | NYP https://www.nyp.org/healthlibrary/tests-detail/thick-and-thin-blood-smears-for-malaria
