Blood Test for Malaria

What is a blood test for malaria detection?

Malaria is caused by Plasmodium parasites, which you get when bitten by an infected mosquito that injects malaria parasites into your bloodstream. This is a life-threatening illness, as malaria-borne mosquitoes thrive in tropical areas, including Africa south of the Sahara Desert and South Asia. Malaria rarely occurs in the United States. 

Additionally, malaria is passed on through blood transfusions or organ transplants. Any delay in Malaria tests and treatment can cause brain damage, organ failure, and death. Hence, consult a doctor immediately if you have traveled back from a Malaria-prone area and have or don’t have symptoms. 

11 Main Symptoms and Causes of Malaria 

Malaria is a serious illness; symptoms usually appear 6 to 31 days after the mosquito bite. 

1. Fever and sweating 
2. Chills 
3. Headache
4. Muscle aches
5. Fatigue
6. Chest pain 
7. Difficulty breathing 
8. Cough 
9. Diarrhea
10. nausea and vomiting
11. Seizures

Additionally, if malaria gets worse, you may have symptoms depending on the type of parasite, such as:

• Anemia 
• Jaundice
• Kidney failure 
• Mental confusion 
• Coma 

Malaria Causes

The protozoa of the genus Plasmodium cause malaria. This single-celled parasite is spread to non-infected humans through the bites of infected mosquitoes.

Malaria Transmission Cycle 

The malaria parasites enter the bloodstream, travel to the liver, and infect red blood cells. Causes of malaria are explained below: 

1. Uninfected mosquito. A mosquito becomes infected when it bites a person already infected with anopheline mosquitoes. 
2. Parasite Transmission. If an infected mosquito bites you, it can spread malaria parasites to you in the future. 
3. In the liver. After the infected parasite enters your body, it will travel to the liver and may remain there for one year. 
4. Into the bloodstream. Once they mature, the parasites leave the liver, infect RBCs, and cause malaria symptoms. 
5. On the other people: If an uninfected mosquito bites you during this cycle stage, it can pick up malaria parasites from your blood and transmit them to the other people it bites.

Risk Factors

Once the red blood cells are affected by malaria-causing parasites, you are at higher risk of developing malaria from exposure to infected blood if you are: 

• Pregnant
• Younger children, infants, and older adults
• Coming from areas with no malaria
• Have a weakened immune system
• Unable to access healthcare facilities
• Share needles that inject drugs
• Through blood transfusions

4 Different Types of Malaria Tests

A blood test for malaria helps a healthcare provider detect if the Plasmodium parasites in the blood are present, which can cause malaria. Here is a quick review:

1. Peripheral blood smear test

A peripheral blood test for malaria, or PBS for malaria, is a part of a complete blood count (CBC) and is done to check for red and white blood cells and platelets. 

If you already have CBC, any abnormal cell activity might create a need for PBC. 

Malaria blood test interpretation from a peripheral blood smear test can help a healthcare provider identify all types of malaria parasites. Additionally, a doctor will ask about your medical history, physically examine you, and use PBS laboratory test results to make a complete diagnosis. 

2. Rapid diagnostic test (RDT)

As the name suggests, a rapid diagnostic blood test for malaria checks for certain malaria antigens in the blood within 15-20 minutes. However, a rapid diagnostic blood test for malaria does not accurately diagnose which type of malaria parasite you have and may affect your treatment. 

Any abnormality detected during Malaria blood test interpretation, considering RDT, may require a peripheral blood smear test. 

3. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR)

A polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test is an advanced molecular blood test for malaria that effectively identifies the genetic material (DNA or RNA) of the malaria parasites in the blood sample. 

4 Complete blood count (CBC) 

A healthcare provider often suggests a CBC test alongside malaria blood tests to assess anemia or low platelet count, which can be malaria-related. 

Where is Malaria found?

Most cases of malaria are found in areas with warm temperatures and high humidity. 

• Africa
• Central and South America 
• Dominican Republic, Haiti, and other areas in the Caribbean 
• Asia
• Inland in the Central and South Pacific Ocean

Diagnosis & Malaria Test Result Interpretation

The diagnosis of malaria is simple. An expert will perform a blood test, which usually takes less than five minutes. 

First, he will insert a needle into a vein in your arm to take a blood sample for malaria. Then, he will collect this blood sample into a blood collection tube or vial. The needle insertion may cause a slight sting and thus make you uncomfortable. 

Additionally, he will examine you and ask questions, such as whether you experience symptoms or have returned from a malaria-prone region. 

This malaria blood test for interpretation will tell your provider if you have malaria and will identify the Plasmodium species. 

• If your malaria blood test results are negative, it indicates the absence of malaria parasites in your blood sample. 
• Positive malaria blood test results indicate you have malaria. 

Early and accurate analysis is a must to determine the right treatment.

Management and Treatment

Treatment for malaria should start as quickly as possible. Any sort of delay can damage an organ and cause death. Below are some antimalarial medications that your healthcare provider will suggest depending on the type of Plasmodium parasite responsible for the infection.

• Artemisinin drugs 
• Atovaquone
• Chloroquine
• Doxycycline
• Mefloquine
• Quinine
• Primaquine 

Ensure you protect yourself from mosquitoes as much as possible, even after the treatment. Any carelessness might cause malaria to come back. 

When should you contact a doctor?

Seek medical assistance immediately if you have returned from a malaria-prone country or live in a country where malaria is common. Remember, early malaria diagnosis can halt the disease's progression, avoid expensive long-term treatments, and improve quality of life. 

Prevention

How can you prevent malaria?

Prevention from malaria is a must, especially if you have had malaria in the past. Additionally, if you are traveling to a malaria-prone area, learn some effective ways from your healthcare provider about how you can prevent being infected. Here are the key ways to prevent malaria: 

1. Avoid mosquito bites

Use mosquito repellent with DEET, picaridin, or lemon eucalyptus oil. Wear long-sleeved shirts and pants instead of shorts, especially during dusk and dawn. Sleep under a treated mosquito net; it is safe for your kids. Additionally, use window screens or stay in air-conditioned rooms. 

2. Use antimalarial medication 

Remember to carry preventive medicines if you are traveling to malaria-prone areas. Take them as prescribed, including the period before and after your return from travel. 

3. Eliminate mosquito breeding sites

Still water becomes a happy home for mosquitoes, parasites, and harmful bacteria. Keep your home and office surroundings neat and clean. Ensure you remove stagnant water from pots, coolers, and buckets. 

4. Indoor residual spraying (IRS)

If you reside in high-risk areas, use a long-lasting insecticidal net (LLIN) that creates a chemical and physical barrier against mosquitoes. 

5. Awareness and Early Detection

Knowing the symptoms, such as fever, chills, and sweating, is important to seek medical assistance early and initiate the right treatment to improve health outcomes. 

Is there a vaccine against malaria?

Yes. RTS, S, and RT21 are two malaria vaccines that public health officials recommend for children living in malaria-prone areas.

A note from Redcliffe Labs for malaria

Malaria is a life-threatening disease that is caused by Plasmodium parasites. It is a major concern, especially during monsoons and post-monsoon seasons. As it says, prevention is better than a cure, so taking preventive measures and following guidelines can help keep you protected against dangerous malaria bites.

Suppose you are traveling to a country where malaria is common for personal or professional reasons. In that case, you should talk to your healthcare provider well in advance for essential guidelines. He may ask you to take a test once you return if needed. Your malaria blood test report may show no or lower risk of infection if you follow guidelines and can be managed with antimalarial medications. 

Care at Redcliffe Labs! 

Healthy India ki Trusted Lab-Redcliffe Labs is a PAN India omnichannel service provider prioritizing your health and overall well-being. Our in-house doctors are always ready to help. 

The Malaria blood test price at Redcliffe Labs is INR 580 only. If you are unsure, call us at 898 898 87 87 or book a blood test for malaria online with a home sample collection. This will help your doctor identify specific malaria antigens in your blood and begin treatment. 

You can download the malaria test report from our portal, which is typically available within 10 hours, for timely interpretation by your health expert. 

Step-by-step information on booking a test online:

1. Visit the official Redcliffe Labs website: https://redcliffelabs.com/.
2. Browse or search for the specific test you need. 
3. Add the test to the cart. 
4. Complete the payment process online.

Note: You will receive confirmation through SMS and WhatsApp.