Malaria Detection with Rapid Diagnostic Tests (RDTs)
Malaria detection and treatment methodologies vary over the landscape of affected populations. The current gold standard for confirmation of malaria is microscopic examination. In this technique, a blood smear is stained and examined for the presence of a malaria parasite. A thick smear is examined for the presence of malaria parasites and a thin smear is examined for determination of the species of malaria. With this technique, the desired information can be obtained within a few hours of collecting a blood sample and further action can be taken to treat the patient.
