Malaria Tests
Reviewed
Malaria tests are used to diagnose malaria, a serious disease caused by a parasite transmitted through mosquito bites. Testing involves a blood sample, and results can be negative (no parasites found) or positive (malaria confirmed). A negative result may require repeat testing, while a positive result leads to prompt treatment. The test can identify the type of parasite, which is important for choosing the right treatment.
Preparation and collection
No special preparations needed.
Understanding this test
Use the reference interval and units printed by the laboratory that performed the test. A result outside that interval is not a diagnosis by itself, and a result inside it does not rule out every condition. Your symptoms, history, medicines, timing, and related tests can change what the result means.
- A negative result does not rule out malaria because the number of parasites in your blood can vary over time.
- Rapid diagnostic tests (RDT) cannot accurately show which type of malaria parasite you have, which affects treatment decisions.
- If initial tests are negative, repeat blood samples are usually taken every 12–24 hours for a total of 3 sets of tests.
What to do next
If positive, your healthcare provider will prescribe medicine based on the type of parasite, drug resistance, your symptoms and medical history, and whether you are pregnant. When treated early, malaria can usually be cured. If your provider strongly suspects a serious case, treatment may begin before test results confirm the disease.