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Written by

Dr. Shreya Gupta

BDS, MDS - Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology

Reviewed by

Dr. Ashish Ranjan

MBBS, MD (Pharmacology)

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Peripheral Smear for Malaria

You need to provide

Blood

This test is for

Male, Female

Test Preparation

A copy of valid government-issued identification card with the address is required.

Overview

What is Peripheral Smear for Malaria?

Peripheral smear for malaria is done to detect the presence of malarial parasite in the blood. Malaria is an infectious disease which is caused by species of the Plasmodium parasite. It is caused by the bite of the infected mosquito (female anopheles). The species which cause infection in humans include Plasmodium Vivax, Plasmodium malariae, Plasmodium ovale and Plasmodium falciparum.

Why is Peripheral Smear for Malaria done?

To diagnose malaria
To monitor the treatment of malaria

What does Peripheral Smear for Malaria Measure?

Peripheral smear for Malaria is done to detect the presence of the malarial parasite in the blood. It is also used to monitor the treatment of malaria. Once the treatment of malaria is started, the doctor may advise re-test to monitor the treatment. A drop of blood is spread thinly on the glass slide and then studied under a microscope to examine the blood cells. The diagnosis is made by spotting out the parasite of malaria or its antigens or its products in the smear. Thick smears help to detect the presence of parasite while thin smears help to detect the type of species of parasite. Thin smears help in evaluating the presence of schizonts (stage of the malarial parasite with the presence of many small nuclei), gametocytes (stage of malarial parasite where it can produce more gametes) and presence of any pigmentation due to the malarial parasite in the blood.

Interpreting Peripheral Smear for Malaria results

Interpretations

Positive results indicate the presence of the malarial parasite in peripheral blood examination.

Negative results indicate that no malarial parasite is seen on peripheral blood examination.

Answers to Patient Concerns & Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Peripheral Smear for Malaria

Frequently Asked Questions about Peripheral Smear for Malaria

Q. How is this test performed?

This test is performed on a blood sample. A syringe with a fine needle is used to withdraw blood from a blood vessel in your arm. The healthcare provider will tie an elastic band around your arm to make the blood vessels swell with blood. This makes it easier to withdraw blood. You may be asked to tightly clench your fist. Once the veins are clearly visible, the area is cleaned with an antiseptic solution and then the needle is inserted into the blood vessel to collect the sample. You will feel a tiny pinprick during the procedure. Blood sample once collected will then be sent to the laboratory.

Q. Is there any risk associated with this test?

There is no risk associated with the test. However, since this test involves a needle prick to withdraw the blood sample, in very rare cases, a patient may experience increased bleeding, hematoma formation (blood collection under the skin), bruising or infection at the site of needle prick.

Q. What is Malaria?

It is an infectious disease which is caused by a species of Plasmodium. These parasites spread through the bite of the female anopheles mosquito. The species of Plasmodium that infect humans include Plasmodium vivax, Plasmodium ovale, Plasmodium malariae, and Plasmodium falciparum.

Q. How does malaria spread in the body?

Malaria spreads through the bite of a female anopheles mosquito. When the female anopheles mosquito bites the humans, the parasites of malaria get transferred to the humans and they reach the liver. Once the infection is inside the body, the parasite takes a week to a month to enter the red blood cells (RBCs) in humans. In the RBCs, they multiply within 2-3 days and produce symptoms of malaria.

Q. Do negative results mean that malaria is not there?

No, negative results do not confirm that malaria is not present. These negative results might be due to the absence of malarial parasite in the prepared peripheral blood film. In such cases, your doctor may advise you a re-test if the symptoms of malaria persist.

Q. What are the symptoms of Malaria?

The symptoms of malaria include chills, high fever, heavy sweating, nausea, vomiting, headache, pain in the abdomen, diarrhea, and pain in muscles.

Q. Can Malaria occur through only by the bite of female anopheles mosquito?

No, it is not necessary that malaria can also be caused by the bite of the female anopheles mosquito. Malaria can also occur after an organ transplant, by sharing needles or syringes, or after blood transfusion.

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