Malaria Test/ MP

The Malaria Test/MP, or Malaria Parasite Test, is a laboratory test utilized to identify the presence of malaria parasites in a blood sample. Malaria is a mosquito-borne infectious disease caused by various species of Plasmodium parasites, with Plasmodium falciparum, Plasmodium vivax, Plasmodium malariae, and Plasmodium ovale being the most common species affecting humans. The Malaria Test/MP employs various techniques such as microscopy, rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs), or molecular methods (e.g., polymerase chain reaction – PCR) to detect malaria parasites in the blood. Microscopic examination of thick and thin blood smears remains the gold standard for malaria diagnosis, allowing trained laboratory personnel to visualize and identify malaria parasites under a microscope. Rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs) provide a quick and convenient method for detecting malaria antigens or antibodies in the blood, offering rapid results within minutes, although they may have limitations in sensitivity and specificity compared to microscopy.