Parasitology Proficiency Testing Program
Parasitology PT Program
Parasitology PT Program
Malaria Testing
This is to inform you that Malaria Testing at the Wadsworth Center has been upgraded to include the Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) as a routine diagnostic tool.
The Parasitology Laboratory of the Wadsworth Center has been approved to use PCR as the primary rapid test for differentiating between the four species of Plasmodium affecting humans (P. falciparum, P. vivax, P. malariae, and P. ovale). This method detects the presence of Plasmodium-specific DNA, and is both more sensitive and specific than diagnosis by Giemsa-stained blood smears. Immediately and for the foreseeable future, all patient specimens submitted to the Wadsworth Center for detection of Plasmodium species will be tested both by PCR and by Giemsa-stained blood smear.
The procedures for collection and sending samples are UNCHANGED. The procedure for submission is to obtain a Transport Kit, which contains a history form. This is available from the Wadsworth State Order Desk (518-474-4175). Ask for Kit number DOH-2117 and specify "Mailer Only" kits without preservatives. EDTA-preserved blood specimens should be collected early in the course of the illness, and BEFORE the administration of antimalarials. After collecting the specimen, the EDTA blood tube as well as stained thin and thick blood smears, should be sent to the NYS Parasitology Laboratory using the mailers obtained from the order desk. If a specimen is held overnight before shipment, it is recommended that it be refrigerated. Rapid transport to the laboratory optimizes successful identification by PCR and Giemsa-stained smear.
Positive PCR results will be phoned to the submitter as soon as they are available. A written report will be sent when all tests have been completed (usually 2-5 days). If you have any questions, please contact:
Janet Keithly, Ph.D., Chief, Fungal and Parasitic
Disease
Jill Ennis, Parasitology Proficiency Testing and Clinical
Coordinator
Phone: 518-474-4177
Fax: 518-486-7971
E-mail: jxe02@health.state.ny.us