Malaria PCR Test
The Malaria PCR Test is a molecular diagnostic method used to detect and identify Plasmodium species responsible for malaria infection.
The test has high sensitivity and specificity, making it a valuable tool for diagnosing malaria, particularly in cases where traditional methods such as microscopy may fail.
Malaria PCR Test can detect low levels of parasitemia, identify mixed infections, and differentiate between various Plasmodium species.
Malaria PCR Test Detects
- All Plasmodium species (P. falciparum, P. vivax, P. ovale, P. malariae, P. knowlesi).
- Low-level infections (sub-microscopic parasitemia).
- Mixed infections (multiple species co-infections).
Real-Time PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) allows for the amplification and quantification of specific DNA sequences associated with malaria parasites.
Why Use PCR Over Other Tests?
| Method | Pros | Limitations |
|---|---|---|
| Microscopy | Gold standard, quantifies parasites | Requires expertise; misses low parasitemia |
| RDTs | Fast, easy to use | Less sensitive; can’t speciate reliably |
| PCR | >95% sensitivity/specificity, species-specific | Costly; longer turnaround (hours–days) |
Ideal Use Cases:
- Suspected malaria with negative RDT/microscopy but persistent symptoms.
- Confirming species (critical for P. vivax/ovale needing radical cure).
- Epidemiology (tracking outbreaks, drug resistance).
How It Works
- Sample: 1–2 mL EDTA blood (venous).
- Process:
- DNA extraction → PCR amplification of parasite genes (18S rRNA, cytochrome b).
- Electrophoresis or probes detect species.
- Turnaround: 24–72 hours (varies by lab).
Key Advantage: Detects <5 parasites/μL (microscopy misses <50–100/μL).
Interpreting Results
- Positive: Confirms active infection; report includes species.
- P. vivax/ovale: Requires primaquine for hypnozoites.
- P. falciparum: Monitor for severity/drug resistance.
- Negative: Rules out malaria if clinical suspicion is low.
False Negatives: Rare (if PCR inhibitors present).
When to Order?
- For Patients:
- Unexplained fever after travel to endemic areas.
- Suspected treatment failure/relapse.
- For Clinicians:
- Differentiating P. falciparum (severe) vs. P. vivax (relapse risk).
- Monitoring parasite clearance in trials/resistance studies.
Turnaround Time
Results from the Real-Time PCR test for malaria are usually available within 10 to 14 days, depending on laboratory processing workloads.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How accurate is PCR vs. blood smear?
A: PCR is 10–100× more sensitive; it detects 1–2 parasites/μL vs. 50–100/μL for microscopy.
Q: Can PCR diagnose past infections?
A: No—only detects active infection (parasite DNA clears post-treatment).
Q: Is it covered by insurance?
A: Often yes for complex cases (e.g., negative RDT with high suspicion).
How To Order Malaria PCR Test
Please click the ‘Order Test’ button and put the Malaria PCR Test in your cart.
You are welcome to visit our laboratory in Kilimani, Nairobi. This will initiate the process for obtaining your test.
