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.

Malaria antibody detection is performed using the indirect fluorescent antibody (IFA) test. The IFA procedure can be used to determine if a patient has been infected with Plasmodium.

falciparum-specific antigen histidine-rich protein 2 (HRP-2) in peripheral blood could be used to diagnose placental malaria. We selected this antigen because Howard et al. demonstrated that P. falciparum cultured in vitro synthesizes and secretes HRP-2 during the trophozoite and schizont stages of development.

Malaria rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs) assist in the diagnosis of malaria by detecting evidence of malaria parasites (antigens) in human blood. These tests require a drop of peripheral blood, normally collected from a finger or heel prick. Visual read-outs are available typically within 20 mins or less.

OptiMAL is a rapid (10-min) malaria detection test which utilizes a dipstick coated with monoclonal antibodies against the intracellular metabolic enzyme parasite lactate dehydrogenase (pLDH). Differentiation of malaria parasites is based on antigenic differences between the pLDH isoforms.

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.

Blood smear examination is the “gold standard” test for the detection and identification of malarial parasite. During this test, a drop of blood is collected and is spread onto a glass slide. The blood sample is now treated with Giemsa stain and the red blood cells are studied under the microscope.