REPORTING: Organism Identification

Should common or scientific names be used when reporting the presence of parasites?

The scientific name (genus, species) names should be used on the final report that goes to the physician and to the patient's chart. It is also recommended that the stage of the organism be included (trophozoite, cyst, oocyst, spore, egg, larvae, adult worm - various stages of the malaria parasites/will impact therapy).