Plasmodium Species
Clinical Specimen Submission Guidance
Submit all specimens to 50 Orms St, Providence RI 02904. Open Monday to Friday 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM
Special Pathogens & Biothreats Laboratory 401-222-5586
Plasmodium species
Malaria
Detection, identification and speciation of blood parasites through microscopic examination of thin blood smears stained with Wright/Giemsa stain.
Submit thin blood smears stained with Wright/Giemsa stain. Stained thick smears may be submitted in addition to thin smears, but not instead of thin smears
Smears should be made from EDTA blood tubes within 6 hours of collection for best parasite morphology. EDTA blood tube should be submitted with stained smears, if available.
CLIA regulations require specimens be labeled with at least two patient identifiers. Examples of identifiers are first and last name, date of birth, chart/medical record number. The specimen container must be labeled to match the test requisition or the electronic order.
Rhode Island State Health Laboratories (RISHL) test requisition form https://health.ri.gov/forms/LabRequisitionForm.pdf
Blood Parasite ID/Confirmation
Transport stained smears in cardboard or plastic slide carriers to laboratory as soon as possible.
Specimens must be packaged & transported in accordance with current federal shipping regulations.
Stained thick smears or EDTA blood received without a thin stained blood smear will not be examined
No blood parasites observed
Providers must report patient information on Malaria within 4 days using the RIDOH reportable disease form.
2 business days
Containers specifically labeled for transport of specimens and isolates to the RISHL Special Pathogens & Biothreats Laboratory are available in all Microbiology Laboratories and Laboratory Sendout Departments.