Malaria Antigen Detection (Rapid) Test Cost & Procedure

Introduction

Malaria antigen detection tests are a class of commercially available rapid diagnostic tests of the rapid antigen examination type that allow prompt diagnosis of malaria by people who are not otherwise skilled in conventional laboratory techniques for doing so or in circumstances where such equipment is not available. Commercially available tests of this nature number over 20. (WHO product testing 2008). A soluble glycolytic enzyme called glutamate dehydrogenase was the first malaria antigen that could be utilised as a target for a test of this kind.

Malaria rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs)

By spotting signs of the parasites (antigens) in human blood, it aids in the diagnosis of malaria. For these tests, a drop of peripheral blood must be obtained, typically by pricking the fingertip or heel.

RTDs come in a variety of formats. (dipstick, cassette, or hybrids). Whatever the format, they are often quite easy to use, requiring little to no specialised knowledge or expertise. They can be used at the point of care, even in extremely remote locations, and don't need any infrastructure or equipment.

RDTs function by detecting dye-labeled antibodies linked to particular parasite antigens. The parasite lactate dehydrogenase is the best antigen for detecting P. vivax in a species-specific manner. (pLDH).

Common malaria's mode of action RDT format

1.Adding a lysing agent to the patient's blood in a test strip or well is the first step in the test procedure. The red blood cells break down as a result, releasing additional parasite protein.

2. The lower end of the nitrocellulose strip or the well made of plastic that comes with the strip both include dye-labelled antibodies that are specific for the target antigen. A thin (test) line of an antibody that is also specific for the target antigen is attached to the strip, and either an antibody that is specific for the labelled antigen or the labelled antibody, or both, are attached at the control line.

3. After being applied to the strip or placed in a well, blood and buffer are combined with labelled antibodies and drawn up the strip in a line across the lines of bound antibodies.

4. If the antigen is present, some labelled antibody-antigen complex will be attracted to the test line and accumulate there.

5. Because the amount of antigen will affect how many dye particles aggregate on the line, the test band's intensity will change depending on how much antigen is present, at least at low parasite densities (antigen concentration).