Florida Bureau of Public Health laboratories

Malaria PCR

The malaria PCR test is a PCR test utilizing the BD MAX System (Becton Dickinson) to detect if Plasmodium vivax, Plasmodium falciparum, and Plasmodium spp. is present in clinical whole blood specimens collected with EDTA.

Analyte(s)

Plasmodium vivax, Plasmodium falciparum, and Plasmodium spp.

Malaria Information

Test Code

1210

Testing Location

Jacksonville Laboratory

Testing Department

Microbiology

Pre-approval Required?

None

Required Forms

BPHL Test Requisition, DH1847

Include all required fields and the medical history section.

View Forms

Supply Ordering

Supplies may be requested from your servicing laboratory. Supplies ordered from BPHL should only be used for specimen sent to the BPHL for testing.

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Turn Around time

3 business days after receipt at the laboratory

Minimum Volume

At least 1 mL but 3 mL is preferred

Collection Media

EDTA blood tube

Specimen Sources

Whole blood

Specimen Labeling

Specimen must be labeled with at least two unique patient identifiers, e.g., name and DOB, and date of collection.

Information on the specimen must match the requisition and/or test order. 

Special SPecimen Preparation

None

Storage Conditions

Specimens should be stored at 2-8° C for up to 5 days after collection if not immediately shipped to BPHL

Packaging and Shipping

Ship in a cooler with ice packs at 2-25° C.

unsatisfactory specimen

1) Specimen was not labeled with 2 unique patient identifiers
2) Information on specimen does not match requisition/test order
3) Specimen was collected in an inappropriate collection media
4) Specimen leaked in transit

Interferences and Limitations

None

Reference Range

Negative

Result Indicator

Positive: Presence and identification of Plasmodium sp, species ID

Negative

Reference lab

CDC

Reflex testing

None