Malaria/Babesia/Other Blood Parasites Test
This test examines blood smears under a microscope to look for malarial parasites, Babesia and other blood parasites. Quest describes it as a way to help guide treatment decisions and prognosis when a blood parasite infection is suspected.
About this test
The test uses thick and thin blood smears prepared from a finger-stick sample, along with a whole blood sample collected in an EDTA tube. The smears are stained with Giemsa stain and examined under a microscope by a laboratory professional looking for the parasites that cause malaria, Babesia, and other blood parasite infections.
When parasites are found, the laboratory can also calculate the percentage of red blood cells that are infected, a measurement known as percent parasitemia. Quest describes this figure as useful for monitoring how a person responds to treatment over time, in addition to helping with diagnosis and outlook at the outset.
Test details
| Collection | Quest patient service center |
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Quest resources
Additional details
What this test looks at
The test reports what is seen on the stained slide: the presence or absence of malarial parasites, Babesia, or other blood parasites, and, when parasites are present, the percent of red blood cells infected. Quest notes the test can sometimes show microfilaria on the slide as well, though it is not the recommended method for detecting microfilaria specifically.
This test isn't part of the Celio Health store at the moment, so it can't be ordered or requested here. The test menu lists everything that can.
Laboratory results should always be interpreted by a licensed clinician who knows your health history. This page is information about a test, not medical advice.
Frequently asked questions
What does this test look for?
It looks for malarial parasites, Babesia, and other blood parasites on stained blood smears examined under a microscope.
How is the sample collected?
The test uses at least two thick and two thin blood smears prepared from a finger-stick sample, along with a whole blood sample collected in an EDTA tube.
Do I need to prepare for this test?
No preparation instructions are listed for this test, though people follow any instructions their ordering clinician provides.
Does a negative result rule out a blood parasite infection?
No. Quest notes that a single negative result does not rule out infection, so a clinician reads the result together with symptoms, history, and sometimes repeat testing.
Can this test detect microfilaria?
It can sometimes show microfilaria on the stained slide, but Quest does not recommend it as the method for detecting microfilaria specifically.