Malaria Antigen Detection, Whole Blood

Malaria Antigen Detection tests are diagnostic tests used to detect specific antigens (proteins) released by the malaria parasite into the bloodstream. These tests are crucial for diagnosing malaria and can detect the infection even before a person exhibits symptoms.

Malaria is a serious disease caused by a parasite. Malaria parasites are tiny single-celled life forms. They live and reproduce in the red blood cells of humans. This destroys the red blood cells, which makes you sick.

In most cases, people get malaria when they are bitten by mosquitos that are infected with the parasite. At first, malaria symptoms may be much like the flu. In certain cases, the disease can become life-threatening if it isn't treated quickly. But medicines can usually cure malaria.

You may need this test if you have symptoms of malaria and you've been in an area where malaria is common. Depending on the type of malaria parasite, symptoms usually begin between 7 to 30 days after an infected mosquito bites you. The first symptoms of malaria are often like having the flu, and may include:

• Fever
• Chills
• Fatigue
• Headache
• Muscle pain
• Nausea and vomiting

Malaria is caused by parasites of the genus Plasmodium, transmitted to humans through the bites of infected female Anopheles mosquitoes. The disease is prevalent in tropical and subtropical regions of the world, particularly in parts of Africa, South Asia, and South America.

Other Names: Rapid Diagnostic Test