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Choose collection locationImmunology / Serology · Individual laboratory test
Malarial Parasite Detection/Identification
A laboratory examiner looks for malaria parasites in blood and can assess the species and degree of infection. Possible malaria needs urgent medical care.
Price for this test on its ownAED 200Test price AED 100
Clinical authorDr Nirupama SabhapathySpecialist Clinical Pathology
- Sample
- Whole Blood (EDTA)
- Laboratory turnaround
- 24 hours
- Collection
- Dubai
- Laboratory
- Intel Lab
Understanding the test
What does the Malarial Parasite test measure?
Also called Malaria Blood Smear
Microscopy is used to look for parasites when malaria is suspected and can provide information about species and burden. Prompt assessment matters because some forms can progress quickly.
When it may be requested
Looking directly for parasites
Microscopy can help identify parasites in red blood cells and distinguish species.
Assessing the burden of infection
The laboratory can use a film to examine how extensively red cells are affected.
Before your sample
Prepare for collection
SpecimenWhole Blood (EDTA)
Your checklist
Testing for suspected malaria should not be delayed for fasting or a routine appointment. Give the clinician your travel dates and any antimalarial medicines taken.
The clinician takes blood from a vein into a tube that keeps it from clotting. The collection team sends the labelled specimen to the laboratory.
Smart Report
Understanding your result
24 hoursLaboratory turnaround
Result guideMalarial Parasite Detection/Identification
Reading your result
A positive finding requires timely treatment by a clinical team. Low parasite levels can be missed in an initial sample.
What can affect it
- Low parasite levels can be missed, and a clinician may request repeat films if malaria is suspected.
From sample to follow-up
Your testing journey
Laboratory testMalarial Parasite Detection/Identification
- Specimen
- Whole Blood (EDTA)
- Turnaround
- 24 hours
Open your laboratory report
Look for Malarial Parasite Detection/Identification in your report. Use the sample type and collection time when comparing it with an earlier report.
Explore Smart Report
Discuss the next step
Give the assessing clinician the original film result and a record of any preventive or treatment medicines taken around travel.
Clinical expertise
Your laboratory team
Patient questions
Before you book
Does one negative blood film rule out malaria?
A single specimen can miss infection. A clinician may arrange repeat testing when symptoms and travel history still suggest malaria.
Why do you make two different films from one sample?
The thick film concentrates a larger volume of blood so scarce parasites can be found, while the thin film keeps the red cells intact so the species can be identified and the parasite burden assessed. They answer different questions and are read together.
Can antimalarial medicine affect a malaria smear result?
Yes. Antimalarial medicine taken before the sample, even a single dose or a partial course, can reduce parasites below the level microscopy can find, making the film harder to read and a negative result less reliable. Tell your doctor about any recent antimalarial treatment and whether you used prophylaxis during travel.
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Your next step
Malarial Parasite test at home.
Sources & further reading
Written by Dr Nirupama Sabhapathy, Specialist Clinical Pathology. Medically reviewed by Dr Joyce Jose, Specialist Clinical Pathology, on .
Catalogue information and AED price checked on 2 November 2026. Clinical suitability, preparation, collection arrangements and turnaround are confirmed for your selected test.