Malaria Test: Price, Purpose, Procedure, Results, & More

Malaria tests are used to diagnose the presence of malaria parasites in a person’s blood. The most common types of malaria tests include microscopic examination of blood smears, rapid diagnostic tests, and molecular tests. Rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs) are also used to diagnose malaria. RDTs work by detecting specific proteins or antigens that are produced by the malaria parasite in a person’s blood.

The results of the malaria test can help healthcare providers diagnose and treat malaria in patients. Early diagnosis and treatment of malaria are important to prevent serious complications and even save lives. The price range of Malaria test is usually between Rs 240 to Rs 560.

Your doctor may recommend a malaria test due the following reasons-

1. Fever
2. Headache
3. Chills and sweats
4. Fatigue
5. Muscle and joint pain
6. Nausea and vomiting
7. Diarrhea
8. Anemia
9. Jaundice

Malaria Test Details in Brief

Also Known As	malaria blood smear, malaria rapid diagnostic test, malaria by PCR
Purpose	To diagnose the presence of malaria parasites in a person’s blood.
Preparation	No special preparation required.
Fasting	No
Reporting Time	8 to 24 Hrs.
Cost	Rs 240 to Rs 560

Price

Malaria Test Price usually ranges from Rs 240 to Rs 560. The actual price depends on the diagnostic center and the city. Bookmerilab partners with more than 200 diagnostic centers across India. We provide a 10-50% discount on medical diagnostic tests.

Prices at Popular diagnostic centres

The table below lists the prices at some of the popular diagnostic centres.

Name of Lab	Test Price
Redcliffe Labs	N/A
Prognosis Laboratories	Rs 420
National Imaging	Rs 560
City X Ray	Rs 525
SRL Diagnostics	N/A
Dr Lal path labs	N/A
Vijaya Diagnostics	N/A

Cost in different cities

The test cost depends upon the one recommended by your healthcare professional. The cost varies depending on the lab and the city.

City	Test Price
Malaria Test Price in Delhi	Rs 240 to Rs 560
Malaria Test Price in Mumbai	Rs 360
Malaria Test Price in Bangalore	0
Malaria Test Price in Hyderabad	Rs 240 to Rs 560
Malaria Test Price in Gurgaon	Rs 240
Malaria Test Price in Chennai	0
Malaria Test Price in Kolkata	0

Purpose

1. Diagnose the presence of malaria parasites in a person’s blood.
2. Determine the type of malaria parasite causing the infection.
3. Monitor the effectiveness of malaria treatment.
4. Detect malaria in individuals who do not have symptoms (asymptomatic carriers).
5. Screen individuals before travel to or after return from areas with high malaria transmission.
6. Identify areas where malaria is prevalent and track changes in malaria prevalence over time.
7. Help prevent the spread of malaria by identifying and treating infected individuals.

Preparation

1. Fasting: Fasting is not usually required for a malaria test.
2. Medications: Inform your healthcare provider of any medications you are taking, as some medications may affect the results of the test.
3. Clothing: Wear clothing with short or loose sleeves that can be easily rolled up to provide access to the arm.

Procedure

is a fairly simple diagnostic blood test. Below are the steps to draw a blood sample from the vein in your arm or hand-

1. A technician (phlebotomist) may tie a tourniquet (elastic band) to your arm.
2. The phlebotomist will locate your blood vessel.
3. Then the site is cleaned with spirit.
4. A Needle is inserted into your vein to draw the blood.
5. The blood sample is then withdrawn into a syringe or a vial.
6. Cotton is placed on the puncture site with mild pressure till the bleeding stops.
7. A small band-aid is then placed, which may be removed after an hour.

The entire procedure takes only a few minutes.

The following tests could be performed on your blood sample.

1. Blood smear test– A drop of blood is applied to a specially prepared slide in a blood smear. The slide will be examined under a microscope by a laboratory expert who will be searching for parasites.
2. Rapid diagnostic test– This test looks for antigens, which are proteins released by malaria parasites. Although a blood smear is typically required to confirm a diagnosis, it can produce results more quickly.

Risk

It is a very simple and safe test. The risks involved are the same as that of any other blood test. These include-

• Infection at the puncture site if proper sterilization protocol is not followed and the needle is contaminated. This is, however, very rare. You may ensure that your phlebotomist takes out the needle in front of you from a sterile pack.
• Multiple pricks if the blood vessel is not easily found.
• Excessive bleeding at the puncture site- Please inform your healthcare provider if you are taking any blood thinners or have any bleeding disorders.
• Light-headedness due to stress or heavy bleeding.

Minor pain and bruising that might occur will resolve on their own in a very short time.

Result

1. Negative: You might need to get tested again if your findings were negative but you still have malaria symptoms. Malaria parasite counts can fluctuate from time to time. Hence, for a period of two to three days, your doctor may ask for blood smears every 12 to 24 hours. To receive early diagnosis for malaria, it’s critical to determine whether you have the disease.
2. Positive: Your doctor will prescribe medicine for managing the disease if your test findings were positive. Your age, the severity of your malaria symptoms, and whether you are pregnant will all influence the sort of medication you receive. Most malaria cases can be cured with early treatment.

Limitations

1. False negatives and false positives can occur.
2. Low levels of malaria parasites can be difficult to detect.
3. Accuracy can vary depending on the type of test used.
4. Some malaria parasites have developed resistance to certain drugs used to treat the infection.
5. Asymptomatic carriers may not be identified through routine testing, leading to continued transmission of the disease.
6. Cost and availability can limit their use in areas with limited resources or poor healthcare infrastructure.

Conclusion

In conclusion, malaria testing is a crucial tool for the early diagnosis and effective treatment of this life-threatening disease. Prompt diagnosis and treatment can help save lives and prevent the spread of malaria in affected communities. Various types of malaria tests are available, and their selection depends on the individual’s circumstances and the malaria transmission pattern in the region. It is important to follow the recommended guidelines for malaria testing and seek medical attention if any symptoms of malaria develop, even if the initial test result is negative.

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