Synonym(s)
Plasmodium falciparum, Plasmodium vivax, Plasmodium malariae, Plasmodium ovale, Plasmodium knowlesi, parasites
CDC Pre-Approval Needed
None
Supplemental Information Required
Submit the blood smear slides with the whole blood, each with its own CDC 50.34 Specimen Submission Form. Microscopic examination of blood smears is mandatory prior to performing molecular detection. Malaria Molecular Identification will be performed if microscopy cannot provide a species-level diagnosis.
Performed on Specimens from
Human
Acceptable Sample/ Specimen Type for Testing
EDTA-treated whole blood
Collection, Storage, and Preservation of Specimen Prior to Shipping
Specimens should be stored in leak‐proof containers and kept refrigerated (2‐8°C) or frozen (‐20°C or lower) at all times. Ship to CDC within 30 days of collection.
Specimen Labeling
Test subject to CLIA regulations and requires two primary patient identifiers (e.g., patient first and last name, date of birth, unique patient identifier from time of collection, such as medical record number) on the specimen container and on the test requisition.
Shipping Instructions which Include Specimen Handling Requirements
CDC does not accept routine shipments on weekends or holidays. Please make sure packages arrive Monday – Friday.
All specimens should be shipped to CDC by same or next‐day courier as an etiologic agent. Specimens must be shipped in insulated shipping containers with cold packs, or with dry ice.
Ship To:
[Insert CDC Point of Contact]
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
RDSB/STATT Unit 52
1600 Clifton Road, NE
Atlanta, GA 30329
[Insert CDC Point of Contact’s Telephone Number]
All samples must be shipped in accordance with all applicable local, state and federal regulations. Upon shipment, submitter should send an email to the CDC POC providing shipping company, shipped date and package tracking number.
Methodology
Real-time Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR)
Interferences & Limitations
1. This test has not been evaluated for detection of Plasmodium species that on rare occasions can infect humans and cause zoonotic malaria (e.g., P. cynomolgi, P. inui, P. simiovale, P. simium). Cases of suspected zoonotic malaria should be further investigated with other genotyping methods.
2. This test cannot distinguish between P. malariae and P. brasilianum.
Additional Information
Provide country of travel on specimen submission form.
Shipping Instructions: Specimens must arrive to CDC at 2-8°C (if shipped on cold packs) or -20°C or lower (if shipped on dry ice) within 30 days of collection. Specimens not meeting these conditions will not be accepted for testing and new specimen will be required.
For questions about submitting specimens, email parasiteslab@cdc.gov.
For malaria diagnostic options and related clinical questions call the Malaria Hotline: (770) 488-7788.