Plasmodium 18S rRNA quantitative RT-PCR assay
General Information
- Lab Name
- Plasmodium 18S rRNA Quantitation
- Lab Code
- MAL18S
- Description
The assay is a quantitative molecular reverse transcription PCR assay to detect and measure 18S rRNA from Plasmodium parasites and to specifically identify Plasmodium falciparum. The assay detects 18S rRNA from parasites in infected red blood cells and from gametocyte stage parasites.
Quantitative results are reported as 18S rRNA log10copies per milliliter of whole blood. For P. falciparum, the copies/mL result can be converted to estimated parasites/mL using a conversion factor of 7400 copies/ring-stage P. falciparum parasite. This conversion factor does not exactly apply to non-P. falciparum species (P. vivax, P. ovale, P. malariae, P. knowlesi) because of the presence of ring, trophozoite and schizont stage parasites in peripheral blood.
- Synonyms
- Malaria molecular nucleic acid test
- Components
-
Code Name M18SDE Plasmodium 18S rRNA Specimen PF18R Plasmodium falciparum 18S rRNA Result PAN18R Pan Plasmodium 18S rRNA Result M18INP Plasmodium 18S rRNA Interpretation M18MTH Plasmodium 18S rRNA Method
Interpretation
- Guidelines
- Method
Real-time reverse transcription PCR
- Reference Range
- See individual components
Ordering & Collection
- Specimen Type
- EDTA blood
- Collection
-
Preferred: EDTA Lavender Top Tube
Note: Should be a dedicated tube (NOT shared with other tests except for MALP)
Unacceptable: Heparin (Green top) and Red Top Tube.
- Handling Instructions
Whole blood in EDTA (lavender top) can be stored at room temperature or at 4°C and should be transported to the Laboratory as soon as possible, ideally within 4-6 hours but no later than 48 hours after collection. If samples cannot reach the lab within 48 hours, samples should be stored at ≤-70°C within 4 hours and later transported to the MMDL on dry ice.
- Quantity
-
Requested: 2.0 mL EDTA blood.
Minimum: 0.2 mL for infant; 0.5mL for adult.
Processing
- Receiving Instructions
Contact Malaria Molecular Diagnostic Lab at 206-685-8212 or 206-685-4599 for incoming specimens. If specimens can be reached to the lab at UWMC South Lake Union Campus within 4-6 hours of collection, ship the specimen with ice packs. If not, store the specimen in a -80°C freezer within 4 hours of collection and then send the specimen on dried ice.
Testing is performed at the Malaria Molecular Diagnosis Lab (SPOT = HMMDL) which is located at 750 Republican St, Building F, Room F891G, Seattle. All samples originating at facilities other than UWMC-ML should be sent to UWMC-ML SPS. UWMC-ML SPS staff will then send the sample(s) via Reference Lab Courier to the South Lake Union UW Neighborhood Clinic where they will be held until picked up by the MMDL staff.
- Misc Sendout
Performance
- Lab Department
- Malaria Molecular Diag Lab(MMDL)
- Frequency
- Testing performed within 2 weeks of receipt
- Available STAT?
- No
- Performing Location(s)
-
Other Malaria Molecular Diagnostic Laboratory
206-685-8212Malaria Molecular Diagnostic Lab
University of Washington
Building: F
Room number: F891G
(Call 206-685-4599 for access)
750 Republican St
Seattle, WA 98109206-685-6162 (office)
Billing & Coding
- CPT Codes
- 87799
- LOINC
- 47085-6
- Interfaced Order Code
- UOW5643