Malaria
Point-of-care rapid testing for malaria. OEM/ODM manufacturer.
Overview
Malaria is a parasitic infection by Plasmodium species transmitted by Anopheles mosquitoes. WHO recommends rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs) where microscopy is unavailable.
Diagnostic Markers & Methods
HRP2 (P. falciparum-specific) · pLDH (Pan-Plasmodium) · combined Pf/Pan or Pf/Pv devices for species differentiation.
Testing Window
RDTs detect antigen during active parasitemia, typically from symptom onset.
Interpretation
Pf-positive RDT + fever = treat for P. falciparum. HRP2 can persist after treatment; HRP2 gene deletions can cause false negatives.
Confirmatory Testing
Microscopy (thin/thick smear) is the reference for species and parasitemia.
The Author's Take
Position: Buy the species-differentiating Pf/Pan test, not a Pf-only device — malaria treatment depends on species, and Pf-only misses P. vivax.
- Pf/Pan distinguishes falciparum from other species, which changes treatment.
- HRP2-only tests can miss falciparum in HRP2-deletion regions — a Pan line adds a safety net.
- Field programs value instrument-free, room-temperature-stable formats.
This is the buyer-advisor view of the technical team — editorial guidance, not a substitute for product IFU or local regulatory requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which malaria rapid test should I stock?
A Pf/Pan (or Pf/Pv) combo — it detects P. falciparum (HRP2) and other species (pLDH) in one device, which matters because treatment differs by species.
How soon after fever does a malaria RDT turn positive?
RDTs detect antigen during active parasitemia, typically from symptom onset; very low parasite densities can give false negatives, so repeat testing may be needed.
Does HRP2 persist after treatment?
Yes — HRP2 can remain detectable for weeks after treatment, so a positive Pf HRP2 result does not always indicate treatment failure.
Products (3)
Need a full Malaria testing panel? Request datasheets, IFU and OEM/ODM options.