Malarial Parasites Investigation (Blood Film and Antigen Kit)

General Information

Blood Film

Microscopy and antigen detectionfor malarial parasites can be performed on the same sample as the FBC sample. Please supply details of which countries the patient has visited along with prophylaxis or treatment details. WHO guidelines suggest three negative results in 72 hours to exclude malaria. In the event of a positive finding the clinician/ward will be informed. A percentage parasitaemia is only given in cases of Plasmodium Falciparum and Plasmodium Knowlesi. 

Antigen Kit

This is an immuno-chromatographic test using monoclonal antibodies against the metabolic enzyme pLDH (parasite Lactate Dehydrogenase) of Plasmodium species.

There are two monoclonal antibodies used, one specific for Plasmodium (P) falciparum, and one pan-specific antibody that reacts with all four species found in humans:

P falciparum, P. ovale, P. vivax and P. malariae.