Which Test is Done to Confirm Malaria?

Malaria is a severe and often fatal disease that is transmitted through the bite of infected Anopheles mosquitoes and is caused by Plasmodium parasites. It is a dangerous disease that requires early diagnosis and treatment to avoid complications. Out of all the diagnostic methods, the malarial parasite test (MP test) is one of the most common ways of determining the presence of malarial parasites in the blood. Read on to learn more about the MP test price and its vital role in diagnosing and managing malaria.

What is the Malarial Parasite Test?

An MP test or Malaria Parasite Test, or peripheral smear for malarial parasites, is a laboratory test that helps diagnose malarial parasites in the blood. This test is very crucial in establishing the malaria diagnosis and also in assessing the efficiency of the ongoing treatment. It entails the use of a microscope to analyse a blood sample and determine the number of malarial parasites present. 

3 Important Tests Included

• Malaria Parasite: Detects the presence of the malarial parasite in the blood.
• Species: Identifies the specific type of Plasmodium causing the infection.
• Parasite Index: Measures the level of parasitemia, indicating the severity of the infection. This is also done to monitor the efficacy of ongoing treatment for malaria.

Get Tested for Malaria Parasite

When to Get Tested?

You should consider getting the MP test if you experience symptoms such as:

• High fever
• Chills
• Sweating
• Headache
• Nausea
• Fatigue
• Muscle pain

These symptoms are more worrying if you have recently visited or reside in a malaria-prone region. Also, if you have a recurring or constant fever, it is wise to undergo a malaria test to rule out or confirm the presence of the disease.

Role of the Test in Treatment and Management

The MP test plays a crucial role in:

• Confirming Malaria Diagnosis: Rapidly identifies the presence of malarial parasites in the blood, allowing for early treatment.
• Identifying Plasmodium Species: This helps identify the particular species of Plasmodium that is causing the infection, which is important in choosing the right treatment.
• Assessing Severity: The parasitic index provides details of the intensity of the infection and helps determine the treatment to be administered.
• Monitoring Treatment Efficacy: Periodic MP tests during the treatment enable the evaluation of the efficacy of the therapy by monitoring the changes in the parasitic index.

MP Test Procedure

A few drops of blood are taken from the patient, which may be done by a prick on the fingertip or by venipuncture. The blood sample is spread thinly on a microscope slide to make a blood smear. The smear is then stained using special dyes, such as Giemsa stain, to enhance the visibility of the parasites. A trained laboratory technician then looks at the stained smear under the microscope to determine and count the malarial parasites.

Interpreting Results

Result Interpretation

Positive Malarial parasites detected; immediate treatment needed.

Negative No malarial parasites detected; consider alternative diagnoses if symptoms persist.

Species Identified Specific Plasmodium species detected; guides specific antimalarial treatment.

Parasitic Index Indicates the severity of infection; and helps monitor treatment effectiveness.

Points to Remember While Getting the Test

• When consulting your healthcare provider, ensure that you provide a detailed travel history, especially if you have been to malaria-prone regions.
• If your doctor has provided you with any special preparations, such as fasting or avoiding certain medications before the test, make sure to adhere to them.
• Make sure that the blood sample is taken at the right time, which is during the fever, to increase the chances of properly identifying the parasite.
• Follow-up with tests as advised by your doctor to check the progress of the treatment.

All in all, the malarial parasite test (MP test) is a valuable diagnostic tool in the diagnosis and management of malaria. It assists in determining the existence and kind of malarial parasite, which makes it possible to treat the condition suitably. This test can help in early detection, improve the patient’s prognosis, and decrease the chances of developing severe complications.