What is the Malaria Parasite Blood Test?
Malaria is an illness brought on by parasitic malaria. The parasites that cause malaria are microscopic organisms from the genus Plasmodium. Humans acquire the parasite most frequently through mosquito bites. Malaria symptoms include headache, nausea, vomiting, fever on alternating Days, and fever with chills and rigor. Depending on the Plasmodium species, the severity of malaria varies. It is common in subtropical and tropical regions. The symptoms usually arise within 14 Days of the bite of a mosquito. The malaria parasite can be detected on a blood smear under a microscope. The malaria test looks for antigens, which are proteins secreted by parasites that cause malaria.
When is the Malarial Parasite blood Test done?
A doctor may recommend this test in the following.
- To diagnose malaria.
- If malaria is left untreated, it can cause complications, like liver or kidney or internal bleeding
- To detect fever of unknown origin
- To review patients already suffering from malaria
What are the components of the malaria parasite Test?
The malaria parasite test is done using a blood smear. The doctor may recommend it alone or in combination with another test like a complete blood count or urine routine. One or both of the tests listed below may be performed on the sample for malaria parasite identification.
- A rapid diagnostic test. -The malaria blood test looks for antigens, proteins secreted by parasites that cause malaria. In comparison to a blood smear, it can yield quicker findings.
- Blood smear examination.-A blood smear is created by applying a drop of blood to an especially prepared slide. The slide will be examined under a microscope by a laboratory expert who will be searching for parasites
What is the usual range of the malaria parasite Test?
- A positive test indicates malaria, and the patient requires antimalaria treatment
- A negative test indicates the patient does not have malaria
- If a patient has symptoms, but the test is negative, it indicates the patient requires retesting.
How is the Malaria parasite Test done?
- A blood sample is taken from the vein.
- No special test preparation is required for a malaria parasite test.
- The report comes within a few hours of the test.