About Malaria
Malaria is a serious and potentially life-threatening disease caused by Plasmodium parasites, transmitted through the bites of infected female Anopheles mosquitoes. Prevalent in tropical regions like parts of India, it’s caused by five species: P. falciparum, P. vivax, P. ovale, P. malariae, and P. knowlesi, with P. falciparum being the most severe.
Symptoms appear 7–30 days after a bite, including high fever, chills, headache, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, sweating, and fatigue. If untreated, malaria can cause severe complications like cerebral malaria, anemia, or organ failure. Early diagnosis and treatment are critical to prevent severe illness and transmission.
At Hindustan Laboratory, we provide accurate and timely malaria diagnosis to support effective management and control of this disease.
Malaria Test at Hindustan Laboratory
The Malaria Test, also known as the Malarial Parasite (MP) Test, detects Plasmodium parasites in the blood. We offer two primary methods: Blood Smear Microscopy and Rapid Diagnostic Tests (RDTs), performed with high precision for reliable results.
Why Get Tested?
You may need a Malaria Test if you:
- Have symptoms like fever, chills, headache, or vomiting, especially after visiting malaria-endemic areas.
- Live in or traveled to a malaria-prone region, such as parts of India.
- Are pregnant, as malaria poses higher risks during pregnancy.
- Received a blood transfusion or organ transplant from a potentially exposed donor.
Early detection ensures timely treatment, preventing complications.
Test Methods
We use the following diagnostic methods:
- Blood Smear Microscopy: The gold standard, this method examines thick and thin blood smears under a microscope. A small blood sample is stained with Giemsa to detect parasites, identify the Plasmodium species, and measure parasitemia (percentage of infected red blood cells). Thick smears confirm parasites, thin smears identify species. Results are available within hours, with high accuracy from our trained microscopists.
- Rapid Diagnostic Test (RDT): RDTs detect malaria antigens (e.g., histidine-rich protein II for P. falciparum, lactate dehydrogenase for all species) in under 15 minutes. A finger-prick sample is applied to a test card, showing results as visible bands. Ideal for quick diagnosis, all RDT results are confirmed with microscopy for accuracy.
Both tests use a small blood sample (finger prick or venipuncture) with no special preparation. Risks are minimal, with slight pain or bruising possible at the collection site.
Test Results
Results are interpreted as:
- Positive: Indicates malaria parasites. Microscopy identifies species and parasitemia, guiding treatment. Positive RDTs are confirmed with microscopy.
- Negative: No parasites detected. If symptoms persist, repeat testing may be needed due to varying parasite levels. Peripheral smear sensitivity is approximately 86.79%, so false negatives can occur.
Additional tests like a Complete Blood Count (CBC) may assess anemia or thrombocytopenia, as malaria can affect red blood cells and platelets.
Why Choose Hindustan Laboratory?
We offer:
- Accuracy: Advanced equipment and skilled professionals ensure reliable results.
- Speed: RDT results in under 15 minutes, microscopy within hours.
- Comprehensive Care: Follow-up testing to monitor treatment and parasite clearance.
- Accessibility: Testing at our Thalarka, Hanumangarh facility, with home sample collection available.
Contact us to schedule your Malaria Test or explore our full range of diagnostics.