Posted by What are Malaria tests?
Malaria is a disease caused by the parasite Plasmodium, which has many variants. These parasites are a single-celled life form that destroys human red blood cells and reproduces in that site. Generally, the disease is caused specifically because of a mosquito bite. These mosquitoes are infected with these parasites. The disease’s first few symptoms may seem much like the flu. However, if it isn’t treated at the right time, it can become a life-threatening disease. Although the disease is curable with the application of the right medicines.
The Malaria tests are conducted to look for signs of various symptoms in your blood sample. The tests detect the early symptoms so the disease can be treated before it becomes a serious illness. As for the cost of these tests, the Malaria test kit price varies according to the intensity of the disease in any given area. There are mainly two types of tests that are used for diagnosing the disease, blood smear test and rapid diagnostic test.
It’s mostly found in warm and humid parts of the world. Tropical and sub-tropical countries like India and Africa are hotbeds for this disease with the highest number of cases found. The disease is also spread through by coming in contact with an infected person. This may happen during blood donations, transfusions, sharing foods and materials and even during injections.
Two types of Malaria tests: Blood smear test and Rapid Diagnostic Test (RDT)
Technically, as we have mentioned before, there are two types of tests for diagnosing Malaria. Both the blood smear test and the rapid diagnostic test (RDT) are helpful in diagnosing these parasites, prompting early treatment.
Once you have consulted your nearby clinic, the test provider will examine your current conditions and ask about your recent travels. If the providers locate possible symptoms, they will recommend you have a blood test. Each of the two tests, blood smear tests and rapid antigen test kits may require you to meet certain conditions and pre-requirements.
The two types of blood tests used for diagnosing Malaria and its symptoms are:
- Blood Smear Test
This test is used to detect the type of Malaria parasite you have. The test involves collecting blood samples from a finger prick. The doctor identifies the percentage of red blood cells that are infected and the parasites that are present.
Two variants of Blood smear test: Thick blood and thin blood
The thick blood sample is the best way to detect the presence of parasites because it deals with a large sample of blood. The thick blood is a single drop of blood on a glass slide.
The thin blood is usually spread across the glass slide covering a greater area. This type of blood sample helps the doctor in detecting the species of malaria that is causing the infection.
Results
Results of both the sub-variants of the blood smear test may vary
Normal
No parasites are found in the red blood cells. The doctor may repeat the test for the next two days after every 8 hours in case the doctor suspects that you still may have malaria.
Abnormal
Parasites are found in your red blood cells and the infectant plasmodium is identified. At the same time, the percentage of the affected red blood cells is identified. Treatment varies depending on the species of plasmodium present and the percentage of red blood cells infected.
- Rapid Diagnostic Test (RDT)
The rapid diagnostic test (RDT) assists in detecting Malaria parasite (antigen) in human blood. The test usually involves the requirement of peripheral blood, which is collected from a heel or finger prick.
Various forms of RDT
RDTs are available in various formats ranging from dipstick, cassette, and hybrids. Regardless of their types, RDTs are easy to use and require specialist services and hard training. These tests are also available in the form of rapid antigen test kits, which may or may not be used depending on the doctoral advice. However, they can even be used at the point-of-care, including in remote locations.
Results
The RDT results can be accessed within 15-20 minutes. However, the disadvantage of this test is that it doesn’t detect accurately the type of malaria parasite you have.
Prices of these test kits may vary depending upon various aspects such as availability, location and the intensity of the affected patients. Generally, Malaria test kits prices are fairly low and are accessible at nearby clinics and pharmacies.
When do you need a Malaria test?
You will need to opt for either a blood smear test or rapid antigen test kit if you have contracted Malaria or live in an area or locality where the disease is common. For each parasite types, symptoms may differ and generally begin to appear within a week to 30 days after a mosquito bite. There are cases as well where it takes almost a year for certain symptoms to appear.
Here are a few symptoms of Malaria which include:
- Fever and chills
- Fatigue
- Headache
- Muscle pain
- Nausea and vomiting
Certain Malaria symptoms are specific in nature and depending upon the parasite type, symptoms may come and go after every two or three days. Having said that, devoid of early treatment, the disease can be life-threatening and sometimes may even lead to death.
Conclusion
Malaria infection is common both in humid and warm areas. Caused through mosquito bites and communicable in nature, taking early precautions is the best way to tackle the disease, which involves taking tests and prompt treatments. Tests such as blood smear test and rapid diagnostic test (RDT), which is also sometimes known as rapid antigen test kit, help in diagnosing the parasite type. Although by taking early steps the disease can be avoided in the first place. For example, if you are travelling to an area where Malaria is common, talk to your health provider regarding early precautions and test kits. You may also take necessary steps to protect yourself from infected mosquito bites by using mosquito-repellent creams and nets.