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Overview

Blood Parasite (Smear) Test

Blood Parasite (Smear) Test

also known as: Loa loa Smear, Plasmodium Smear, Wuchereria Smear, Blood Smear for Parasites, Microfilarial Smear, Parasitology Examination for Malaria

A parasite survives on other organisms. They depend on the host organism and affects the host organism.There are at least 1000 species of parasite capable of living in human beings. A Smear test is a test used to identify for Spirochetes, Trypanosoma, Plasmodium species, and Babesia that are found in the human blood. By looking at the blood smear under a microscope, parasitic diseases such as filariasis, malaria, and etc. can be diagnosed.  Giemsa Stain methodology is used in blood smears for parasite detection.

This is a blood test so, you need not worry about fooding and drinking. No preparation is required. Meet the doctor and discuss any medications, if you are on any. Also, tell the doctor about the primary medical situations or allergies before undergoing smear test.

Certain medical disorders, blood transfusions, and the presence of certain types blood cancer will produce abnormalities on the blood smear result. The powerful medicine dosage and chemotherapy may disturb the results. It’s important to discuss the above matters with your doctor before the blood smear test to avoid a possible diagnostic error.

Substantial blood smears tell the density of Plasmodium infection in malaria. It is ordered in case of jaundice. A blood smear tells the type of parasite present in the body. Blood smear test is used to detect abnormalities in blood cells, especially red blood cells. The result may be abnormal and varying based on the type of blood cells affected.The method by which each lab uses to test the blood might affect the result. Blood smear tests administer the progressing treatment in blood cell releated diseases on a regular basis. If you are diagnosed with enlarged spleen the blood smear for parasite detects blood disorders.

A doctor or compounder who is specifically trained to draw blood first cleans and sterilizes the injection site with an antiseptic. He then ties an elastic band just above the vein site from where your blood will be drawn. The phlebotomist inserts a needle directly into the vein and draws blood. Then he places a drop of blood on a slide and a film is prepared. Thick blood smears are most helpful than thin blood smears in detecting the presence of parasites. The slide is then stained and examined under a microscope for further results.

LimitationsOne negative result does not rule out the possibility of parasitic infestation. If protozoal, filarial, or trypanosomal infection is strongly suspected, test should be performed at least three times with samples obtained at different times in the fever cycle.
Specimen
Smears made from fresh whole capillary (fingerstick) blood and/or capillary blood in EDTA (Microtainerâ„¢), or 3 to 5 mL fresh whole venous blood in EDTA
Volume
Films (two thin and two thick) or 3 to 5 mL fresh whole venous blood in EDTA
Container
Glass slide, lavender-top (EDTA) tube.
Type Gender Age-Group Value
Malaria Parasite
Unisex
All age groups
If parasites are present, they are identified in the blood smear examination
Leishmaniasis Parasite
Unisex
All age groups
If parasites are present, they are identified in the blood smear examination
Babesiosis Parasite
Unisex
All age groups
If parasites are present, they are identified in the blood smear examination
Trypanosomiasis Parasite
Unisex
All age groups
If parasites are present, they are identified in the blood smear examination
Average price range of the test is between Rs.100 to Rs.150 depending on the factors of city, quality and availablity.

Table of Content

What is Blood Parasite (Smear) Test?
Preparation for Blood Parasite (Smear) Test
Uses of Blood Parasite (Smear) Test
Procedure for Blood Parasite (Smear) Test
Limitations of Blood Parasite (Smear) Test
Specimen Requirements
Normal values for Blood Parasite (Smear) Test
Price for Blood Parasite (Smear) Test
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Popular Questions & Answers

My wife's health is low and weight is also low. She is 26 years old. I want that my wife should be in good shape. Please advise me sir.

BHMS
Homeopath, Secunderabad
My wife's health is low and weight is also low. She is 26 years old. I want that my wife should be in good shape. Ple...
See​ that she eats a balanced diet. She should also go for a routine medical check up just to ensure that there is no any health problem that remain undetected. Some basic tests are: CBC, ESR, blood sugar, thyroid test, urine routine, liver profile etc. She should also focus on exercising everyday. Add Yoga and pranayam which can naturally empower the healing system in the body. A healthy lifestyle can make a lot of difference in the long run. Please revert with the reports for further clarification. She can also start Homeopathy to help gain good appetite and thereby healthy​ weight. You can contact me online also.
1 person found this helpful

Are tables called dbol/Dianabol safe to use for bodybuilding and Can a person with high blood sugar it? What are the side effects?

MBBS, CCEBDM, Diploma in Diabetology, Diploma in Clinical Nutrition & Dietetics, Cetificate Course In Thyroid Disorders Management (CCMTD)
Endocrinologist, Hubli-Dharwad
Are tables called dbol/Dianabol safe to use for bodybuilding and Can a person with high blood sugar it? What are the ...
Hello, Thanks for the query. The anabolic steroids which are used to help build muscles are not advisable. They can cause a number of side effects and are banned in most sports as their use enhances the performance. Common side effects are: Common side effects with anabolic steroids may include: Severe acne, oily skin and hair, Hair loss, Liver disease, such as liver tumors and cysts, Kidney disease, Heart disease, such as heart attack and stroke Altered mood, irritability, increased aggression, depression or suicidal tendencies Alterations in cholesterol and other blood lipids. High blood pressure Gynecomastia (abnormal development of mammary glands in men causing breast enlargement), Shrinking of testicles, Azoospermia (absence of sperm in semen) Menstrual irregularities in women, Infertility, Excess facial or body hair, deeper voice in women, Stunted growth and height in teens Cosidering these things it is better to avoid them. In a person with diabetes, these drugs increase the blood glucose and aggravate the condition. Thanks.
2 people found this helpful

Is it good to take Patanjali Mukta Vati for high BP. Is it recommended for long term.

M.D. - Ayurveda, Post Graduate Proficiency In Panchakarma, Bachelor of Ayurveda, Medicine and Surgery (BAMS)
Ayurveda,
Is it good to take Patanjali Mukta Vati for high BP. Is it recommended for long term.
Ayurveda provides a holistic way of treatment. One should address other symptoms along with hypertension. Doctor should suggest diet lifestyle modifications if needed to a patient. This will eliminate cause for the disease. Further, Ayurveda advocates a personalized treatment. Though Mukta Vati is a formulation designed for the most common condition, it will not equally effective for all the patients. It may be more useful in certain disease conditions and in certain patients. Patient should leave choice of drug and overall treatment on Ayurveda expert. Otherwise if did not get result from Mukta vati you will start blaming Ayurveda. Accept Ayurveda to its fullest, not partially; if you expect sustainable results.

Dr. This is raj here I have little pain in my stomach and bleeding with stool what the reason?

BAMS
Ayurveda, Bangalore
Dr. This is raj here I have little pain in my stomach and bleeding with stool what the reason?
Hi, Blood in stools is seen in piles, fissures, ulcerative colitis, colon cancer, etc. For diagnostic purpose, do a colonoscopy and consult a general surgeon for further management. Avoid hot and spicy food. Take some laxatives if you have constipation. Drink plenty of fluids and consume high fiber diet. Get treated at the earliest, otherwise, you will suffer from severe anaemia due to heavy blood loss.

Popular Health Tips

Epidurals - Know The Benefits & Disadvantages!

MBBS, MD - Anaesthesiology, FIPM, Fellowship in palliative medicine, certificate in interventional pain management, Multidisciplinary pain management course
Pain Management Specialist, Pune
Epidurals - Know The Benefits & Disadvantages!

Modern women want to have it all, in personal and professional life. They want to experience the joy of motherhood but not the pain associated with normal delivery. For such women, epidural analgesia during labour is a blessing. Epidural analgesia/anaesthesia is given to pregnant women during childbirth. Epidural painkillers stop the pain signals transmitted nerves from uterus. This stops the pain sensation of labour. For epidural analgesia, a catheter (small tube) is inserted into the epidural space in the spinal cord. It is through this tube that the drugs (painkillers) reach the desired nerves. 

Types of Epidurals: 

Epidurals can be 

  1. Injection with top-ups: Once given, epidurals help to relieve the pain that arises due to contractions. When the epidural starts to wear off, top-ups or refills are used. The refills can last for 1-2 hours. 
  2. Combined Spinal Epidural: Compared to the regular epidurals, the combined spinal epidurals are powerful, quick, and more effective. Here too, epidural painkillers are made to pass through the catheter, once the first injection wears off. It is also known as Walking Epidural. 
  3. Continuous infusion (patient-controlled epidural analgesia): Here, the other end of the epidural catheter is attached to a pump. This pump continuously infuses the painkillers into your back. For an effective response, top-ups may be used. Many hospitals allow patients to control the pump. 

Merits and demerits of having an epidural--

Merits: 

  1. Epidurals make the delivery smooth and hassle free. 
  2. Epidurals are relatively safe as only a small fraction of the medicine reaches the baby. 
  3. Women stay fully awake and experience no pain during the cervix dilation. This enables them to push the baby out with more energy.
  4. Depending on the requirement, the dosage of epidurals can be adjusted. 
  5. Epidurals help to lower the cases of C-section delivery. 

Demerits: 
Though epidurals make childbirth easy, one cannot overlook its demerits. 

  1. Infections can sometimes occur. 
  2. Sometimes epidural analgesia can have a patchy effect, causing some pain to persist. 
  3. Though rare, epidural can result in nerve damage. 
  4. Epidurals bring about a fall in blood pressure. At times, this can be risky for the baby. 
  5. Nausea, headache, itchiness, backache, soreness are the common side effects of epidurals. 
  6. Epidurals relax a woman, thereby reducing their urge to push the baby out. 

Thus, they may take longer than usual to push the baby. If you wish to discuss about any specific problem, you can consult a Pain Management Specialist.

4016 people found this helpful

How Supplements Are Beneficial To Improve Your Sexual Life?

B.A.M.S., M.D.(A.M), EX-M.R.C.G.P., EX-M.R.S.H., EX-M.S.I.E.C.U.S, EX-M.S.S.S.S.
Sexologist, Mumbai
How Supplements Are Beneficial To Improve Your Sexual Life?

Supplements are just a way to add vital nutrients in your daily nutritional intake, but are not the only solution. First of all, it is important to note that your sex life does not depend on supplements. Various other factors can both positively and negatively affect your sex life. Exercise, weight and medications you take can have both adverse and positive effects. Try to improve your sex life by altering these aspects before you use supplements. Nevertheless, here are some supplements which may be beneficial for your sex life.

  1. Iron: Iron is used to boost the libido of women. The libido comprises the arousal, desire as well as the ability to have an orgasm. However, too much iron is not good for you. Over 20 mg can cause stomach problems and constipation while over 60 mg is life threatening.
  2. Niacin: There are two types of cholesterol in your body. One is a good cholesterol, while the other is a bad cholesterol. Niacin is a type of B vitamin, which raises your good cholesterol level. Men who have high cholesterol and erectile dysfunction tend to see improvements in their symptoms by taking 1500 mg of niacin for 12 weeks.
  3. Yohimbine: This is a type of herbal supplement only used for men. It is used to treat erectile dysfunction and should only be used on men. However, it is worth note that high blood pressure, heart palpitations, anxiety, headaches and dizziness are all caused by yohimbine. Therefore, it should be used with care only when the doctor prescribes it.
  4. Panax ginseng: This is one of those rare drugs, which raises sexual desire in women and also corrects erectile dysfunction in men. It is worth mentioning that Panax ginseng also causes insomnia. Insomnia is one of the side effects of this medication along with diarrhea and painful periods for women. 
  5. Maca: This is a type of Peruvian root vegetable. It primarily helps women who are taking antidepressants and have lost their sex drive as a result. It can also be tried safely as it is a type of food as well and therefore, it is not as dangerous as some of the other supplements on this list. If you wish to discuss about any specific problem, you can consult a Sexologist.
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These Sexual Mistakes Compromise Penis Health!

MD - General Medicine
Sexologist, Delhi
These Sexual Mistakes Compromise Penis Health!

When it comes to maintaining proper penis health, most men have a very good idea of what to do. They know all the basics of penis care, from taking care to wash properly to regularly inspecting the manhood to applying a high-quality penis health crème. But in the heat of the moment, when sexual fun is getting hot and heavy, a man might make a silly mistake. Those sexual mistakes can compromise penis health in a serious way.

Not sure what sexual mistakes might be a problem? Here's a list of the biggest issues a man might find himself doing when things are hot - and might regret when things cool off.

1. That lube isn't really lube. A man who is getting it on but suddenly realizes the need for lube might reach for whatever is handy, assuming a bottle of lube is not available - and sometimes that means he will try to use anything from shampoo or conditioner to lotion or cooking oils. Obviously these things are not meant for use as a sexual lubricant, and can lead to dry and cracked skin, irritation and more. Using lube designed specifically for the sexual purpose is always recommended.

2. The condom is too small. Though it is very important to always wrap it up before sexual activity, the wrapping itself might sometimes be the issue. Using a condom that is too small might lead to a little irritation in the heat of the moment, but a man can often ignore that for pursuit of pleasure. The aftermath is when things get rough, as the penis can develop small cuts, tears or even blisters from the use of a condom that is too tight. It pays to test out a variety of condoms to find the best fit.

3. There's been too much drinking. Sometimes a bit of inebriation can be a good thing, as it lowers inhibitions and can help both partners relax before the main event. But too much drinking can lead to serious problems, including trouble with getting it up or issues with stamina. But too much alcohol consumption can lead to even worse things, such as forgetting to use a condom or even suffering memory loss that leaves a man wondering just what happened the night before. Avoiding this is simple: don't drink too much before a bedtime romp.

4. Cleaning up is not a priority. There are plenty of bodily fluids sliding around during sexual activity, and much of that understandably winds up on a man's penis. From the natural lubrication that occurs during sex to the traces of spermicide in the condom, there can be several substances that linger. A man who doesn't clean off his penis after sex is asking for trouble, as those fluids can dry on the penis skin, leading to itching, irritation and redness, as well as a potential penis rash.

A man who pays attention to good penis care should always remember that caring for the penis extends to those moments when things are hot and heavy. Not only should a man be fully prepared for any sexual encounter, he should also be sure to take care to clean up well afterward. Maintaining good health should also include regular use of a high-quality penis health crème (health professionals recommend Man 1 Man Oil, which is clinically proven mild and safe for skin). Look for a crème that includes a multitude of vitamins and nutrients, such as vitamin A for odor-fighting properties, vitamin E to keep skin supple, and vitamin C to enhance sexual health. Amino acids such as L-arginine for blood vessel dilation and acetyl-L-carnitine for protection against peripheral nerve damage are also helpful. Combine it all in a Shea butter base and a man has the recipe for great penis health.

21 people found this helpful

How Your Respiratory System Gets Affected Under Anesthesia?

FIAGES, FMAS, MS - General Surgery, MBBS
General Surgeon, Bangalore
How Your Respiratory System Gets Affected Under Anesthesia?

Adverse respiratory events (AREs) are leading causes of post-operative morbidity and mortality. Anesthesia is the use of medicine to prevent or reduce the feeling of pain or sensation during surgery or other painful procedures (such as getting stitches). Giving as an injection or through inhaled gases or vapours, different types of anesthesia affect the nervous system in various ways by blocking nerve impulses and, therefore, pain.

Anesthesia can help control your breathing, blood pressure, blood flow, and heart rate. It may be used to:

  1. Relax you,
  2. Block pain,
  3. Make you sleepy or forgetful,
  4. Make you unconscious for your surgery.

Adverse Respiratory Events (ARE)
Adverse outcomes of such events are fatal and lead to Death & Brain Damage. Three mechanisms of injury are reported to account for highest adverse respiratory events:
Inadequate Ventilation: Insufficient Gas Exchange can produce the adverse outcome. Esophageal Intubation: Incubation between the two sides of the esophagus inadvertently.
Difficult tracheal intubation: Tracheal Intubation is the placement of a flexible plastic tube into the trachea (windpipe) to maintain an open airway. It is performed facilitate ventilation of lungs in severely ill, anesthetized patients.

Other’s are as listed below:

  • Airway Obstruction
  • Inadequate inspired oxygen delivery
  • Aspiration
  • Endobronchial Intubation
  • Premature Extubation

Residual neuromuscular blockade is an important postoperative complication associated to the use of neuromuscular blocking drugs and is commonly observed in the post-anesthesia care unit (PACU) after non-depolarizing neuromuscular blocking agents (NMBAs) are administered intra-operatively. Incomplete neuromuscular recovery can be minimized with acceleromyography monitoring. The risk of adverse respiratory events during early recovery from anesthesia can be reduced by intra-operative acceleromyography use.

Reintubation is a serious adverse respiratory event and the consequences include increased cardiac and respiratory complications, prolonged length of stay at the PACU, intensive care unit (ICU) and hospital, prolonged mechanical ventilator support, higher costs, and increased mortality. Overweight and obesity have also been identified as risk factors for postoperative respiratory complications. Most adverse respiratory events are considered preventable with improved monitoring such as:

  • Pulse Oximetry
  • Capnometry
  • Combination of Both

Closed observation of the clinical factors and appropriate monitoring by well trained people are factors necessary to prevent adverse outcome. If you wish to discuss about any specific problem, you can consult a General Surgeon.

1836 people found this helpful