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Test Code
BPAR
Test Name
Blood Parasite Smear
CPT Codes
87207
Included Tests
  • Direct Examination of Thin and Thick Smears
  • If warranted, percent parasitemia is reported
Expected Turnaround Time
1 - 2 day
Clinical Utility

Blood smears are used for the screening and identification of blood parasites, including Palsmodium species, Babesia, Typranosoma, and Ehrlichia/Anaplasma. Identification aids in the diagnosis and treatment of infected patients. If applicable parasites are detected, parasitemia will be provided.
Specimen and Container Info

Specimen: Whole Blood

Collection Container: Lavender Top (EDTA) and 5 Thin Smears
Collection Instructions
  • Smears must be made within 1 hour of collection.
  • Immediate preparation is preferred for optimal parasite identification.
Processing and Submission Instructions
  • When available, travel history including area and dates of travel should be specified to aid in diagnosis.
  • Thin smear results are reported shortly after receipt in the laboratory. Preparation and reading of thick smears are completed the following day.
  • For additional instructions on how to prepare thick and thin smears if transport to the laboratory will be delayed see Preparing Blood Smears
Transport Instructions

 Transport to the laboratory at room temperature.

Stability Requirements

Room Temperature

1 hour prior to preparation of Blood Smears.

Refrigerated

Unacceptable

Frozen

Unacceptable
Methodology
Microscopic Examination
Reference Intervals

No blood parasites seen.
Limitations

Delayed transport to the laboratory prior to smear preparation may impact parasite morphology.
Performing Location
Roble Road Core Laboratory
Alternate Names
  • Malaria Smear
  • Babesia
  • Plasmodium
  • Microfilariae
Testing Schedule
Routine daily, STAT testing available
The American Medical Association (AMA) Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) codes published by HNL Lab Medicine are guidelines and are intended for informational purposes only. CPT coding is the exclusive responsibility of the billing entity. View the Terms.
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