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Published on March 27, 2024

Parasite Exam - Blood Parasites, Non-Malaria (Babesia, Trypanosomes, Microfilaria)

Tube Type = Lavender Top

Tube Type

Test ID   LAB88301
EPIC Order
   Blood Parasites, Non-Malaria (Babesia, Trypanosomes, Microfilaria)
CPT Code(s)   87207
Group/Individual Test   Individual
Laboratory   Clinical Microbiology, 984-974-1805
Tube Station   82
Specimen Routine: Blood/Lavender EDTA Tube; See Comments
Availability Routine: 24 hours/7 days
  STAT: N/A
Turnaround Time  

See table below
Comments
  • Collect sample just after fever spikes. 
  • Send to the Lab as quickly as possible. 
  • Do Not Refrigerate.
Test Name  Patient Prerequisites  Test Includes Turnaround Time

Malaria Screen (LAB883)

*Smears only performed on day shift

 Appropriate Travel History BinaxNOW; Malaria smear

BinaxNOW: 2 hours 

Malaria Smear: 24 hours for preliminary result (thin smear) and 72 hours for final result (thick smear)

Plasmodium Parasitemia (LAB88303) 

*Only performed on day shift

 Previous positive BinaxNOW Malaria or Malaria Smear Malaria Smear only 12-24 hours
Blood parasites, Non- malaria (LAB88301) *Only performed on day shift Appropriate Travel History  Blood Smear to rule out Babesia, Trypanosomes
and Microfilaria

24 hours for thin smear

72 hours for thick smear
  • For Outreach/Affiliate locations with extended transport times-
  • The travel question in the order must be answered with a geographic location of travel (i.e., N/ A or "none" are not acceptable). If the ordering provider has not entered appropriate travel history, the affiliate laboratory should contact the provider to obtain travel history and document this in the order prior to sending to McLendon Laboratories.
  • BOTH BLOOD TUBE AND SLIDES ARE REQUIRED FOR SUBMISSION.  
  • Slides: Submit 5 thin blood films
  • Transport Container: Plastic slide container
    1. Prepare thin blood films as follows: Prepare 5 thin smears with a "feathered edge" that is no more than a single cell thick. 
    2. Allow the film to thoroughly air dry and then fix by briefly immersing in either absolute or 95% methyl alcohol. 
    3. Allow to air dry after fixation before placing in transport container.
  • For questions about collection or transport instructions call 984-974-1805.

Reviewed by J. Carr on December 08, 2025

UNC Hospitals
McLendon Clinical Laboratories
101 Manning Drive
Chapel Hill, NC 27514