MALARIAL PARASITE CARD

Malarial Parasite Card Test is a quick test used to identify if there are any malarial parasites in your blood. It is required in diagnosis of malaria especially in endemic places. The technique works by detecting antigens produced by these parasites which are found in the blood of infected individuals. 

In this test, blood smear on a strip of paper. The other end of the strip has antibodies that combine with proteins from Plasmodium living inside RBCs causing either colour change or line appearance on the strip. Therefore, when such changes occur it shows an affirmative result akin to presence of malaria parasite(s) in the blood. 

Malarial Parasite Card Test assesses the presence of antigens that malarial parasites produce in the blood. The parasites multiply and invade red blood cells, producing proteins or other molecules known as antigens in this case. The test identifies these antigens when present meaning one is having an active infection 

The Malarial Parasite Card Test is usually taken when there are signs of malaria including: 

1. Fever 

2. Chills 

3. Headache 

4. Tiredness 

5. Joint and muscle ache 

6. Nausea and vomiting 

In addition, it is also used for screening purposes among people who have travelled to regions where malaria is prevalent or live in such places. 

The Malarial Parasite Card Test is a relatively risk-free and painless assessment. However, like all medical tests, there are restrictions and possible dangers: 

1. The test can give false negative outcomes if the parasite burden is low or if the trial is undertaken too soon or too late into the disease’s course. 

2. False positive test results may be due to cross-reactivity with other blood antigens or compounds in the body. 

3. Plasmodium vivax and Plasmodium ovale might not be detected by it as different malaria species. 

The existence of malarial antigens in the blood is investigated through Malarial Parasite Card Test. Some parameters that this test checks include: 

1. Histidine-rich protein 2 (HRP2) antigen that is produced by Plasmodium falciparum parasites. 

2. Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) antigen that is produced by Plasmodium vivax, Plasmodium ovale

and Plasmodium malariae parasites. 

3. There may be other antigens like aldolase which can also be revealed. Who Needs This Test 

 Who should take the Malarial Parasite Card test?

Some people who may require taking the Malaria Parasite card test are; 

1. You have symptoms of malaria 

2. You live in or have travelled to areas with high rates of malaria cases  

3. You have been exposed to mosquitoes that carry malaria 

4. Use drugs that might interact with anti-malaria medication. 

Some people who may require taking the Malaria Parasite card test are; 

1. You have symptoms of malaria 

2. You live in or have travelled to areas with high rates of malaria cases  

3. You have been exposed to mosquitoes that carry malaria 

4. Use drugs that might interact with anti-malaria medication. 

Your health gets several benefits from what is known as the Malarial Parasite Card Test. These include; 

1. Rapid diagnosis for early commencement of treatment and prevention of severe illnesses associated with malaria 

2. It’s simple to use and read therefore its suitable for use even in remote areas or places with limited resources 

3. Not painful at all and less invasive hence it offers patients more comfortability. 

Malaria is a disease caused by the Plasmodium parasite and diagnosed using Malarial Parasite Card Test. The following species are detected by this test: 

1. Plasmodium falciparum 

2. Plasmodium vivax 

3. Plasmodium ovale 

4. Plasmodium malariae 

When preparing to take Malarial Parasite Card Test, patients ought to do the following things before that: 

1. Tell their healthcare provider what drugs they may be using at present. 

2. They should offer a blood sample which is often taken from a finger prick or vein puncture. 

3. Ensure that the test is done by a skilled medical professional. 

Prerequisites: None 

Eligibility: All persons suspected of having malaria. 

Procedure for Taking the Test: The process involves collecting blood sample via finger prick or vein puncture, applying it on the strip. After few minutes of incubation, the strip is read and results interpreted as described below: 

Caution Before the Test: Avoid taking any drugs that could interfere with your results prior to this screening exercise.