Malaria, Rapid Screen and Giemsa Stain

Transport 5 mL whole blood (Min: 1 mL). Extended exposure to EDTA anticoagulants can result in altered parasite morphology. For best results, send five (5) thin blood smears (unstained, unfixed) AND five (5) thick smears (unstained, unfixed) in addition to whole blood. Thin and thick blood smears should be prepared immediately or within 1 hour after collection.
Thin smears are made as per routine hematology differentials. Thick smears are made by dropping 10 to 20 µL of blood onto a slide and spreading it into a dime-sized area with a glass, wooden, or plastic applicator.
For instructions on preparation of thick and thin smears, see https://www.cdc.gov/dpdx/diagnosticProcedures/blood/specimenproc.html.
Label and transport slides in slide holders. Specimen must be received within 24 hours of collection.