What is the most common method for diagnosing malaria?

The gold standard for the diagnosis of malaria involves microscopy with visualization of Giemsa-stained parasites in a blood sample. Species determination is made based on morphological characteristics of the four species of human malaria parasites and the infected red blood cells.

Is PCR used for malaria diagnosis?

PCR is an alternative method of malaria diagnosis that allows for sensitive and specific detection of Plasmodium species DNA from peripheral blood. PCR may be more sensitive than conventional microscopy in very low parasitemias, and is more specific for species identification.

What is MP test for malaria?

Peripheral smear for Malarial parasite helps to detect the presence of the malarial parasite in the blood. The malarial parasite is detected when an individual is suffering from malaria. Anopheles mosquito if infected with malaria can transfer the malarial parasite to human blood by its bite.

Can CBC detect malaria?

This test detects parasite nucleic acids and identifies the species of malaria parasite. Complete blood count (CBC). This checks for anemia or evidence of other possible infections. Anemia sometimes develops in people with malaria, because the parasites damage red blood cells.

What is MP antigen test?

Malaria antigen detection tests are a group of rapid diagnostic tests that allow quick diagnosis of malaria by people who are not otherwise skilled in traditional laboratory techniques for diagnosing malaria or in situations where such equipment is not available.

How is PCR test done for malaria?

Microscopic detection and identification of Plasmodium spp. in Giemsa-stained thick and thin blood smears continues to be the gold standard for the laboratory diagnosis of malaria (2, 6, 8, 9-12, 15). PCR is an attractive addition to microscopy for confirmatory identification of Plasmodium spp. in clinical specimens.

How do labs test for malaria?

Malaria parasites can be identified by examining under the microscope a drop of the patient’s blood, spread out as a “blood smear” on a microscope slide. Prior to examination, the specimen is stained (most often with the Giemsa stain) to give the parasites a distinctive appearance.

Do platelets drop in malaria?

Conclusion: Malaria is associated with different degrees of low platelet count with rarely increased bleeding tendency.

What is an MP test?

The Malarial Parasite test helps to detect malaria antigens in the blood. The malarial parasite is detected when an individual is suffering from malaria. Anopheles mosquito if infected with malaria can transfer the malarial parasite to human blood by its bite. CBC is done: • As a routine check-up.