Malaria – Serology

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Testing Indications

This test is to determine previous exposure to Plasmodium spp. and should not be ordered to diagnose a suspected malaria infection. If an acute infection with Plasmodium spp., that cause malaria, is suspected, refer to the test information sheet Malaria – Microscopy and PCR for specimen collection and testing information.

Specimen Collection and Handling

Specimen Requirements

Test Requested Required Requisition(s) Specimen Type Minimum Volume Collection Kit

Malaria serology, or Plasmodium falciparum serology, or Plasmodium vivax serology

Blood or serum

5.0 ml blood or 1.0 ml serum

Blood, clotted - vacutainer tubes (SST)

Limitations

Haemolysed, icteric, lipemic or microbially contaminated sera or plasma are not recommended for testing.

Storage and Transport

Label the specimen container with the patient’s full name, date of collection and one other unique identifier such as the patient’s date of birth or Health Card Number. Failure to provide this information may result in rejection or testing delay.

Special Instructions

Centrifuge if using SST. Place specimen in biohazard bag and seal.

Requisitions and Kit Ordering

Test Frequency and Turnaround Time (TAT)

Malaria serology is a Referred Out Test. Samples are sent to the National Reference Centre for Parasitology (NRCP) in Montreal.

Turnaround time is up to 42 days from receipt by PHO laboratory.

Test Methods

Malaria serology test is performed by Indirect Immunofluorescence assay (IFA).

Reporting

Results are reported to the ordering physician or health care provider as indicated on the requisition.

Mis à jour le 7 oct. 2020