Requests for Malaria PCR require approval from Haematologist. Please see contact details.
Test is reported as ' Detected ' or 'Not Detected '.
Transported to Canterbury Health Laboratories (CHL) for processing; turn-around time is <24-hours from arrival at CHL.
PCR testing performed will be detecting:
- Plasmodium falciparum *
- Plasmodium vivax
- Plasmodium ovale
- Plasmodium malariae/knowlesi **
* In cases of P. falciparum malaria, initial quantification as well as monitoring of treatment response on day 7 and day 28, will still be performed by microscopy on the first coming weekday.
** As the PCR does not initially differentiate Plasmodium malariae/knowlesi , further speciation will be done in these cases.
The indication for testing malaria is fever upon returning from a malaria endemic country.
The request form should specify clinical symptoms, travel history and arrival date, as well as specify which prophylaxis was taken and the duration of this.
Diagnostic stewardship:
Malaria PCR is used for speciation where this cannot be done by microscopy and is restricted to patients with parasites on thick/thin films.
For further information contact the Special Haematology laboratory (Ext 22065) or:
| Dr Anna Ruskova | Ext 22137 | |
| Dr Louisa Stone | Ext 22062 | |
| Dr Nikhil Rabade | Ext 22071 | |
| Dr Peter Bradbeer | Ext 22062 |
- Transport to LabPlus chilled ( 2 - 8 degrees Celsius).
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Deliver to laboratory as soon as possible.