Malarial Parasites
Clinical Background:
Malaria is a mosquito-borne infectious disease caused by parasitic protozoans belonging to the genus Plasmodium. Symptoms normally appear 10 - 15 days after being bitten these typically will includ...
Malaria is a mosquito-borne infectious disease caused by parasitic protozoans belonging to the genus Plasmodium. Symptoms normally appear 10 - 15 days after being bitten these typically will include fever, fatigue, vomiting and headaches, in severe cases malaria can cause jaundice, seizures, coma or death. Malaria is widespread in the tropical and sub-tropical regions that exist in a broad band around the equator, which includes much of Sub-Saharan Africa, Asia and Latin America. In the UK it is usually found in returning travellers. There are 4 main species (P. Falciparum, P.Ovale, P.Malariae and P.Vivax) and a 5th species that is growing in incidence P.Knowlesi. The blood films will also be examined for the persence of other blood borne parasites.
Test Details
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Discipline:
Haematology
Haematology
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Specimen Container Adult:
Purple - EDTA
Purple - EDTA
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Specimen Container Paediatric:
Light Pink - EDTA
Light Pink - EDTA
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Minimum Volume Adult:
2.0mL
2.0mL
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Minimum Volume Paediatric:
1.0mL
1.0mL
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Special Requirement:
Ensure adequate mixing. Note time of sample collection, please state which countries patient has visited in recent past
Ensure adequate mixing. Note time of sample collection, please state which countries patient has visited in recent past
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Sample Stability:
2 hrs
2 hrs
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Transport Requirements:
Samples should be transported to lab without delay
Samples should be transported to lab without delay
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Freq Analysis:
On request
On request
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Add On Test:
tnu-tr.bloodsciencesadditions@nhs.net (external)
tnu-tr.bloodsciencesadditions@nhs.net (external)
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Quality Assurance:
UK NEQAS Haematology
UK NEQAS Haematology
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Interpretation:
Ensure all requests are discussed with laboratory, especially with regards foreign travel etc.
Ensure all requests are discussed with laboratory, especially with regards foreign travel etc.
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Reference Ranges:
See interpretative report
See interpretative report
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Other Info:
Screen for presence of blood borne malarial parasites.
Screen for presence of blood borne malarial parasites.
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Routine Contact Name:
RVI or Freeman Section Leaders
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Routine Telephone:
RVI: 0191 2820332, Freeman: 0191 2231195
RVI: 0191 2820332, Freeman: 0191 2231195
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Specialist Test:
Yes
Yes
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Specialist Contact Name:
Haematology and Haemostasis Healthcare Scientist
Haematology and Haemostasis Healthcare Scientist
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Specialist Telephone:
0191 2139758
0191 2139758
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Specialist Email:
alison.brown93@nhs.net
alison.brown93@nhs.net