Parasitemia

So, my dear listeners, thick smear for detection, thin smear for speciation and quantification of parasitemia.

And one more pearl, if the first smear is negative but you still genuinely suspect malaria, you do not necessarily stop.

Parasitemia may be low or fluctuate.

According to CDC guidance, if suspicion remains after a negative smear, repeat thick and thin blood smears every 12 to 24 hours for a total of three sets.

All three sets should be negative before malaria is ruled out by microscopy.