What are other Names for this Test? (Equivalent Terms)

• Plasmodium Blood Test

What is Malaria Blood Test? (Background Information)

• Malaria is an infectious disease caused by a parasitic protist of the genus Plasmodium. It is transmitted by mosquitoes
• The malarial parasite causes disease by attacking and destroying red blood cells. This leads to symptoms of fever and chills
• The Malaria Blood Test helps detect Plasmodium in blood. It is used to diagnose malaria

What are the Clinical Indications for performing the Malaria Blood Test?

Following are the clinical indicators for performing the Malaria Blood Test:

• Fever and chills
• Fatigue
• Paroxysm (sudden attack) of fever rigors, chills, and sweats, every 48 or 72 hours
• Arthralgia (joint pains)
• Headache
• Nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea
• Muscle ache

How is the Specimen Collected for Malaria Blood Test?

Following is the specimen collection process for Malaria Blood Test:

Sample required: Blood 

Process of obtaining a blood sample in adults:

• A band is wrapped around the arm, 3-4 inches above the collection site (superficial vein that lies within the elbow pit)
• The site is cleaned with 70% alcohol in an outward spiral, away from the zone of needle insertion
• The needle cap is removed and is held in line with the vein, pulling the skin tight
• With a small and quick thrust, the vein is penetrated using the needle
• The required amount of blood sample is collected by pulling the plunger of the syringe out slowly
• The wrap band is removed, gauze is placed on the collection site, and the needle is removed
• The blood is immediately transferred into the blood container, which has the appropriate preservative/clot activator/anti-coagulant
• The syringe and the needle are disposed into the appropriate “sharp container” for safe and hygienic disposal

Preparation required: No special preparation is needed prior to the test.

What is the Significance of the Malaria Blood Test Result?

• A blood smear showing signs of Plasmodium infection is interpreted as a positive result for the Malaria Blood Test. When accompanied by fever and chills, a positive result for the test points to a diagnosis of malaria
• The test can also help distinguish between the different types of malarial parasites, which include:
  • Plasmodium vivax
  • Plasmodium falciparum
  • Plasmodium malariae
  • Plasmodium ovale

The laboratory test results are NOT to be interpreted as results of a "stand-alone" test. The test results have to be interpreted after correlating with suitable clinical findings and additional supplemental tests/information. Your healthcare providers will explain the meaning of your tests results, based on the overall clinical scenario.

Additional and Relevant Useful Information:

• Malaria is common in subtropical and tropical regions of the world, such as South America, Africa, and Asia

Certain medications that you may be currently taking may influence the outcome of the test. Hence, it is important to inform your healthcare provider of the complete list of medications (including any herbal supplements) you are currently taking. This will help the healthcare provider interpret your test results more accurately and avoid unnecessary chances of a misdiagnosis.

The following DoveMed website link is a useful resource for additional information:

https://www.dovemed.com/diseases-conditions/malaria/

Please visit our Laboratory Procedures Center for more physician-approved health information:

http://www.dovemed.com/common-procedures/procedures-laboratory/