Clinical Information

Blood borne parasite screening is performed through the use of microscopic detection, which is the gold standard for verifying the presence of blood borne parasites. A number of blood parasites can be identified in this manner including Plasmodium species the causative agent of malaria (P. falciparum, P. vivax, P. ovale, and P. malariae), Babesia species, Borrelia and other spirochetes, Trypanosomes, and Microfilaria. Many of these organisms are not routinely found in the Pacific Northwest so a history of patient travel or activity is necessary in aiding identification. All presumptive positive slides are referred to the Idaho Bureau of Laboratories (under the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare) for identification.

Malaria is a major parasitic disease, endemic to many areas of the world. Though rarely found in the Pacific Northwest region of the United States, rapid screening protocols for malaria and other blood-borne parasites must be in place to diagnose and treat as quickly as possible. The traditional gold standard for detection is microscopic examination. However, due to delay in analysis and the skill required to meticulously review slides, the addition of a second screening method is beneficial.

The BinaxNOW Malaria test kit (rapid test) qualitatively detects Plasmodium antigens circulating in the blood of individuals with signs and symptoms of malarial infection. It is intended to aid in the rapid diagnosis of human malarial infections and to aid in the differential diagnosis of Plasmodium falciparum infections from other less virulent malarial strains. A rapid test screen does not replace traditional slide review and is to be performed in tandem with thin and thick smear preparation.