Malaria Antigen Test (Rapid) - Price, Purpose, Procedure

Table of Content

Introduction to the Malaria Antigen Detection Test

A malaria antigen detection test is a rapid blood test. It is carried out to determine the presence of malarial antigens in your body. The antigen-based malaria test assists in diagnosing malaria by showing evidence of existing malaria parasites in human blood. Malaria is curable if it is diagnosed early and leads to prompt treatment. So, doctors may suggest the malaria antigen test if you have a high fever, shaking chills, weakness, fatigue, headaches, body aches, and malaise. The malaria antigen rapid test plays a major role in areas where health services could be improved, especially in rural clinics. They need microscopes and trained technicians to evaluate blood films; therefore, on-site malaria detection is impossible. The rapid diagnostic test (RDT) for malaria uses monoclonal antibodies and discovers the presence of particular malarial antigens in blood specimens. However, the PCR helps identify the Plasmodium species to ensure treatment. 

If your doctor has suggested the Malaria Antigen Rapid Test, Redcliffe Labs is India's most trustworthy and best omnichannel diagnostic service provider, from which you can book the Malaria Antigen Detection Test. Our highly competent and well-trained phlebotomists come to your home to collect the blood sample. Hence, you get tested comfortably without any inconvenience. So, book a malaria test with Healthy India ki Trusted Lab, Redcliffe Labs. 

Test Details

When do I need a malaria antigen detection test?

The doctors usually recommend the malaria test when they suspect symptoms suggestive of the same. The malaria antigen test helps doctors ensure accurate identification of the parasite so that it can be managed and eliminated. Signs and symptoms include: 

• Fever: Malaria is a life-threatening disease caused by infected mosquitoes carrying certain Plasmodium parasites. In the early stages, the patient might feel irritated, suffer from drowsiness, and experience a loss of appetite. However, these symptoms are followed by chills, and a fever gradually rises to 1 to 2 days or suddenly goes up to 105°F (40.6°C) or higher. The four stages of malaria fever are falciparum, ovale, vivax, and malaria.
• Pain in the arm: Patients complaining of other symptoms accompanied by muscle pain, muscle contractures, and muscle weakness may be asked for a malaria antigen test to be diagnosed quickly for effective management. 
• Nausea and vomiting: Malaria can cause several health problems, including nausea and vomiting. These are among the primary symptoms, as they suggest the possibility of a serious condition. 
• Abdominal Pain: Abdominal pain is also linked with malaria and can be caused by various factors. These include hepatitis, acute renal failure, splenic infarction, splenic rupture, and acalculous cholecystitis. 

Besides nausea and vomiting, pain in the arm, abdominal pain, and fever, other symptoms also indicate the prompt need for a malaria test, such as: 

Other Reasons Why Doctors Suggest a Malaria Antigen Detection Test

• If you visit a malaria area, early detection can save your life. The symptoms of malaria can appear up to a year after leaving an area where malaria is endemic. If you develop symptoms such as fever, chills, or other signs, visit a doctor for a prompt assessment. 

• If it is not detected early, a rapid diagnostic antigen test will detect the virus so you may know if you are infected. There are times when malaria is not detected at an early stage, and patients experience other symptoms such as high fever, shivering and chills, jaundice, mental confusion, and seizures at a later stage. This is when a malaria test is to be done. 

No matter the reason, if your healthcare provider has suggested a malaria antigen test based on your symptoms, risk factors, and other reasons, getting tested is crucial to evaluating the condition and taking appropriate action accordingly. 

What is the purpose of the malaria antigen detection test? 

Detects specific antigens (proteins): Malaria (RDTs) detects particular antigens (proteins) formed by malaria parasites. These proteins are present in the blood of infected individuals. 

Helps with Plasmodium species: Some malaria RDTs detect only specific malaria-causing parasites. Hence, a particular type of nitrocellulose strip is used for specific plasmodium species. 

What preparations are required for the malaria antigen detection test?

The malaria test requires no special preparation. Still, general guidelines for accurate test results are listed below. 

• No fasting is required for the malaria antigen detection test if done alone. However, you may require fasting if the malaria blood test is done with other tests. 
• You can take your meals and drink normally before going for the test. 
• Ensure that you inform your doctors beforehand about all the drugs and supplements that you are currently taking so as not to influence the test results. If needed, your healthcare provider may ask you to stop taking medicines for some days to ensure accurate test results. 
• Avoid strenuous exercise before the malaria test to avoid hormone fluctuations. 

Please discuss your doubts about the test preparations with your healthcare provider to ensure the measurements are appropriately taken, and the test results are accurate. 

What is the procedure for the malaria antigen detection test?

The antigen-based malaria detection test allows quick detection of malaria parasites. It is very simple and easy to perform and gives an accurate diagnosis in a very short time. The test is performed on a nitrocellulose strip that contains some dyed-label antibodies. 

• A phlebotomist uses a small needle to take the blood from a vein in the arm or the tip of a finger. 
• The visual reading is available within 15–20 minutes. 

The malaria test is simple and hassle-free, and it has no associated risks. However, it may cause a slight pain when inserting and removing the needle and a little bruise on the area from where the blood was drawn. This pain and bruise will disappear after a few days. In case they continue to be visible, seeking medical assistance is advisable. 

What does the malaria antigen detection test result mean?

The nitrocellulose strip has three sections where a red line is visible. These sections are termed C (control line), T1 (test 1), and T2 (test 2). 

• Positive for Malaria: a line close to the letter "C" and a line near the letter "T." 

• Negative for Malaria: A line near the letter "C" and no line close to "T." 

• Invalid Results: If no line appears near the letters “T” and "C,” then the test is invalid.

Book a malaria antigen detection test at an affordable cost! 

Regarding your health and overall well-being, it is advisable not to delay, as the results could be life-threatening. Hence, if your doctor has suggested the malaria antigen detection test, book it now without slowing it with Redcliffe Labs. You can get tested with us at a highly affordable malaria test price of INR 580. We provide doorstep blood collection service, book slots to collect your sample within 45 minutes, and accurate test reports within a given time frame. So, why wait? Book a malaria antigen test with us now! 

Malaria Antigen Detection Test Cost in Different Cities - Redcliffe Labs

Note: We also offer Malaria Antigen Detection Test PAN India. Please call the number 8988988787 to check the availability of our services in your area.