Malaria Profile Reflex Malaria Antigen

The Malaria Antigen Test or Malaria AG Test is a diagnostic test that identifies Malaria Antigens in your blood. In simple terms, it checks if Malaria parasites are lurking in your body causing ill health.

If you have symptoms suggestive of malaria like fever, chills, joint pain and you live in or have recently travelled to a Malaria-prone area, your doctor might recommend you undergo a Malaria AG Test.

The Malaria Antigen Test checks for malarial parasite presence and your platelet count. A decrease in platelets combined with positive Malaria Antigens would strengthen the suspicion of Malaria.

A healthy individual tested with a Malaria Profile should ideally not have any malarial antigens detected.

The Malaria AG Test requires a blood sample collected from your vein. It uses immunochromatography method - a lab technique specifically designed to detect the presence of Malaria Antigens in your blood sample.

Yes, home sample collection is available for the malaria antigen test. Healthcare service providers like Metropolis offer this convenience.

Typically, fasting isn’t necessary unless specified by your doctor or the testing center.

Yes, children can take the Malaria Antigen Test. It is safe and commonly used to diagnose Malaria in pediatric patients.

A doctor's prescription is typically required for the Malaria Antigen Test to ensure appropriate usage and interpretation of results.

The test is most effective for Plasmodium falciparum and Plasmodium vivax, the most common Malaria-causing parasites.

The test is highly accurate but may sometimes require confirmation with a blood smear microscopy for definitive diagnosis.

The results of the Malaria Antigen Test are typically available within 15-30 minutes, making it a quick and efficient diagnostic tool.

This test detects the presence of malaria parasites. If the initial Malaria Profile test shows signs suggestive of malaria infection, then the test automatically "reflexes" to a confirmatory Malaria Antigen test. These antigens are proteins produced by the parasites that cause Malaria. The test helps in identifying if you have an active infection and determines the species of the parasite.

This test is done for the following reasons:

• To diagnose Malaria infection in individuals with symptoms like fever, chills, headache, and muscle pain
• To monitor the effectiveness of malaria treatment
• To determine the species of the parasite causing the infection for appropriate treatment

This test is recommended in the following situations:

• Individuals with symptoms consistent with malaria, especially those who live in or have traveled to areas where Malaria is prevalent
• Individuals with a suspected or confirmed diagnosis of malaria
• Individuals undergoing treatment for malaria to monitor their response to therapy

If the Malaria Profile Reflex Test shows positive results for Malaria antigens, it indicates an active infection. Depending on the species identified, appropriate treatment will be prescribed. Negative results may indicate no current infection or a low level of parasites that may not be detectable.

• A small blood sample will be taken from your vein.
• The sample will be tested using immunochromatography, a rapid diagnostic method.
• The test is quick and minimally invasive, causing little to no discomfort.

• No fasting or special dietary restrictions are necessary.
• Inform your healthcare provider about any medications you are taking as certain medications can interfere with the test results.
• Wear a short-sleeved shirt or loose clothing for easy access to your arm for blood collection.
• Reach out to your healthcare provider regarding any specific requirements before the test.

Complete Blood Count (CBC): To check for abnormalities in red and white blood cells
Liver Function Tests: To assess liver function, as malaria can affect the liver
Kidney Function Tests: To evaluate kidney function, as severe malaria can cause kidney damage

Malaria Parasite Test

Malaria Antigen Test

Malaria is a mosquito-borne infectious disease caused by parasites of the Plasmodium species. It is characterised by symptoms such as fever, chills, headache, and muscle pain. If left untreated, malaria can lead to severe complications and even death.