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Malaria Microscopic Review, Blood - Saskatoon

Discipline

Hematology

Overview

Description

Ordering recommendation

  • It is advisable to obtain specimens at the time of fever and chills and again midway between paroxysm
  •  An order for Malaria includes: thick and thin blood films, rapid test and CBC

Alias

  • Thick and thin blood films

Specimen Information

Specimen types accepted

  • ​Blood (4 thick and 4 thin blood films)

Specimen collection container

Collection procedure

  • Thick and thin unstained blood films need to be made at collection site within 30 minutes of collection according to specific guidelines (phone RUH Hematology for instructions (306-655-2191)
  • Blood specimen must accompany blood films (See Malaria Rapid Test)
  • RUH, SPH, or SCH for collection preferably
  • Referred-in specimens (not collected within Saskatoon) sent to St. Paul’s Hospital first

Required volume

  • ​Optimal volume: 4.0 mL

  • Minimum volume: 1.0 mL
  • Pediatric/capillary volume: 0.5 mL

Transport and stability

  • Thick and thin blood films should be stained and reviewed within 24 hours
  • Thick and thin blood films made greater than 4 hours after collection are reviewed but reported with a disclaimer comment
  • Thick and thin blood films are kept for one year
  • See Rapid Test for Malaria for blood specimen stability and storage requirements

Rejection criteria

Testing Information

Relevant clinical history

  • Country visited
  • Date of return to Canada
Relevant recent medication history
  • ​Indicate if patient taking any anti-malarial medication presently or as a prophylactic

Performance

Methodology

  • Wright and Giemsa (Azure B type) stain diluted with phosphate buffer (pH 7.2)

Days/times performed

Availability
  • 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
Testing site
  • RUH Hematology

Maximum laboratory time

  • ​Results available within 24 to 72 hours of receipt in the RUH lab following review by the Hematopathologist on service
  • If a positive malaria is suspected, the Hematopathologist is contacted immediately
  • All positive malaria results are reported immediately to the physician, Public Health Services and Infectious Disease Control

Specimen retention time

  • One month

Last Updated: October 10, 2025