Collection/Processing Instructions

Prepare thick and thin blood smears as soon as possible, preferably within 4 hours of collection. Avoid making the thick smears too thick; one should be able to read print through the blood.  Contact Clinical Microscopic (800-222-5835, ext. 16383) with questions concerning the making of smears. Identification of intra-cellular pathogens may be compromised in older blood specimens. Transport unstained, air-dried smears at room temperature in a slide holder.

 
Optimum draw time is about midway between chills, however, blood collection should be performed immediately upon first suspicion of malaria. Furthermore, since single blood smears may not reveal organisms, successive smears at 6, 12, or 24 hours are sometimes necessary. Samples must be collected prior to administration of any anti-malarial drugs.