Malarial Parasite Test

The malarial parasite test, also known as the malaria blood smear test or malaria microscopy and detects malaria in a blood sample. In this test, the blood sample is tested under a microscope. The malarial parasite test is the gold standard method recommended by the World Health Organisation (WHO) for diagnosis of malaria. 

Malaria is a serious disease caused by one of four types of tiny, single-celled protozoan parasites that live and multiply in human red blood cells. The destruction of these infected blood cells leads to malaria symptoms. Malaria is transmitted through the bite of an infected female Anopheles mosquito.Human-to-human transmission through blood is rare but possible. Malaria symptoms usually appear 8-10 days after a bite from the infected mosquito but can sometimes show up in as early as 7 days or even months later. Early signs of malaria resemble the flu, but if it is not treated promptly, it can become deadly. Therefore, the test is important for diagnosing and treating malaria early.

The malarial parasite test is recommended if you have any of the following symptoms of malaria: 

• Fever and chills 
• Headaches and muscle aches 
• Feeling of tiredness 
• Vomiting and nausea 
• Anaemia, in severe cases 

The following categories of people are at higher risk of malaria: 

• Pregnant women – They have weaker immune systems, so they are less able to fight the disease. Malaria during pregnancy can cause congenital (present since birth) infections, miscarriage, low birth weight, and death around the time of birth.
• Travellers to endemic regions (areas where the disease occurs regularly) – Individuals who have recently travelled to sub-Saharan Africa, regions of South America, and Southeast Asia have the highest risk of catching malaria and experiencing its serious complications. 
• Infants and children under the age of 5 –The immune systems of infants and children under 5 are comparatively weaker, making malaria screening important, especially when symptoms are present. 

A malarial parasite blood test can only identify conditions related to malaria infection and its severity. It cannot diagnose other diseases. 

• Malaria infection – It is important to diagnose malaria early so it can be treated before it causes severe illness. 
• Identify the Organism – Thick and thin blood films are used to identify the specific malarial parasite causing the illness, which could be one of these: Plasmodium falciparum, Plasmodium malariae, Plasmodium ovale, or Plasmodium vivax.
• Parasitaemia – Parasite density (the number of parasites) can be measured by examining a single layer of red blood cells. This is used to determine the severity of the infection.
• Response to treatment – Follow-up tests are done to confirm that the parasite has been eliminated after the treatment is complete.

What to Expect Before the Malarial Parasite Test

No fasting is required for a standalone Malarial Parasite test. You can eat and drink normally. However, if it is part of a broader package that includes fasting tests, your doctor may advise fasting for 8-12 hours. Avoid strenuous exercise for 24 hours before the test, as intense physical activity can temporarily raise Malarial Parasite levels and affect interpretation. Always inform your doctor about any ongoing medications.

What to Expect During the Blood Collection

A phlebotomist cleans the skin with an antiseptic, then places an elastic band around your upper arm to make the veins easier to access. A small needle is inserted into the vein; you may feel a brief pinch. Blood is collected into a labelled tube in under a minute.

What to Expect After the Malarial Parasite Test

A small cotton swab and bandage are placed over the site to stop any minor bleeding. You can return to normal activities immediately. Minor bruising is normal and disappears quickly. If dizzy, sit and rest for a few minutes.

In the malarial parasite test, the primary parameters measured are: 

• Presence of malarial parasites in the blood 
• Parasite density in the blood 

The normal range of the malaria parasite test is indicated in the table below. 

The table below provides a general interpretation of the malarial parasite test results based on the presence or absence of malarial parasites. 

Note: 

• A negative result on a malaria parasite test report does not necessarily mean that you do not have malaria, and repeated testing may be required. 
• The exact parasite species is mentioned in brackets after “seen/detected/positive,” depending on the laboratory reporting format.

Risks:

• The malarial parasite test is generally safe. You may experience slight pain, bruising, or discomfort when the needle is inserted. However, mild bruising is uncommon and usually heals quickly without treatment. 

Limitations: 

• A negative result does not mean that you do not have malaria. Additional blood tests are often repeated every 12 to 24 hours, usually for a total of three tests, to confirm the result. 
• Estimating parasitaemia can be inaccurate if the quality of the smear is poor.

Depending on your symptoms and test results, your doctor may recommend certain additional tests to better understand your condition. These include: 

• Complete blood count (CBC) 
• Vitamin B test
• Liver function tests 
• Bilirubin blood test
• Creatinine test
• Electroencephalogram (EEG) 
• Head computed tomography (CT)
• Dengue fever test
• Zika virus test