48 hours including speciation (preliminary report within 24 hours)
CPT Code:
87207
Specimen Collection Details
Collection:
8 thick and 8 thin blood films, prepared from a capillary puncture or one 4 mL lavender top tube (EDTA) tube within 1 hour of collection.
Handling:
Refrigerate blood. Send slides in slide holders or wrap in heavy cardboard and tape closed. Indicate country of potential exposure to assist with speciation of positive cases.
Standard Volume:
8 thick and 8 thin blood films or 3 mL EDTA whole blood.
Minimum Volume:
2 thick and 2 thin blood films or 1 mL EDTA whole blood.
Transport:
Refrigerated.
Comments:
Microscopic evaluation of Giemsa stained thin and thick blood preparations. EDTA whole blood may be used within 24 hours of collection but speciation may be difficult in slides prepared from blood greater than one hour old. Positive findings are reported to the appropriate county health department.