Malaria Microscopy Reference Slides Now Available for Diagnostic Training

MR4 has procured sets of validated blood smear slides for malaria microscopy training. Until now, standard sets of malaria slides with expert documented species and parasite densities for reference or training have been difficult to obtain.  Hydas® Inc. was commissioned by MR4 to produce blood smear slides of known diagnostic composition along with a set of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) which guided the creation of the slide sets. Each set contains Plasmodium falciparum, Plasmodium vivax and Plasmodium malariae or P. falciparum - P.vivax mixed infection slides along with malaria- negative slides to provide diagnostic training in malaria species presence, identification and density. The slides are provided in numbered and bar-coded format and may be scanned or identified by number comparison in the answer key. A small number of slide sets are now available for distribution to MR4 registered users for a limited use period along with answer keys to the sets. To accommodate the anticipated high demand and very limited number of available sets, distribution of these sets is on a time-restricted (loan) basis, by application only. Priority will be given to MR4 users based upon review of proposed use statements, qualification of the requestor, demonstrated training needs and geographic location of the trainees such that a benefit to training in malaria endemic regions may be evaluated. A plan should also be provided to return the slides in the best possible condition, minimizing the deterioration of the slide set during use.

In order to qualify for requesting the sets, you must first register with the MR4 Resource Center. Please refer to the registration page for forms and instructions on MR4 registration. Once registration is approved, MR4 registered users can request a slide set for a limited period of use by filling out the 2 page proposed use form:

Microscopy Slides Request and Proposed Use Form

Be sure to include all required fields and justification of need, including:

1. Statement of proposed use and background information on the form

2. Indicate the specific dates or length of time needed for your training purpose

   Note: Under NO circumstances will slides be distributed for a period of longer than 4 months

3. Indicate the total number of people to be trained, range of their occupations (clinicians, technicians, physicians, etc.), whether trainees will be involved in diagnostics and whether trainees will subsequently have responsibility in training others in microscopic diagnosis

If your application form is approved, you will be notified by MR4 via email to confirm the dates of your training period. Slide sets, along with bar code/enumerated answer keys and a set of malaria microscopy training manuals, will be shipped free of charge. Your shipment will include packaging for return shipment to MR4 on a prescribed date. Please note that neither training nor tests will be certified by MR4. 

For more detailed information please contact the MR4:

Email: malaria@atcc.org
Fax: (703) 365-2774
Mail: MR4/ATCC, 10801 University Blvd., Manassas, VA 20110