We use cookies to understand how you use our site and to improve your experience. This includes personalizing content and advertising. To learn more, click here. By continuing to use our site, you accept our use of cookies. Cookie Policy.

Features Partner Sites Information LinkXpress hp
Sign In
Advertise with Us
Sekisui Diagnostics

Download Mobile App




Rapid Diagnostic Test Evaluated for Human Malaria Species

By LabMedica International staff writers
Posted on 04 Jul 2012
A rapid diagnostic test (RDT) for malaria parasites has been evaluated and compared with other methods in a reference setting. More...


The three-band rapid diagnostic test detects Plasmodium falciparum-specific parasite lactate dehydrogenase (Pf-pLDH) and pan Plasmodium-specific pLDH (pan-pLDH).

Scientists at Maastricht University (Netherlands) carried out a retrospective and a prospective study to assess with 498 stored and 77 fresh blood samples obtained from international travelers suspected of malaria. Both panels comprised all four Plasmodium species; the retrospective panel comprised also samples negative for malaria. The retrospective panel had been obtained between February 1996 and May 2011. The reference method was microscopy corrected by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The prospective panel was run side-to-side with two other RDTs.

In the retrospective evaluation, overall sensitivity for the 247 P. falciparum samples was 94.7%, reaching 98.7% for parasite densities greater than 1,000/μL. Most false negative results occurred among samples with pure gametocytaemia and at parasite densities less than or equal to 100/μL. None of the 96 negative samples showed visible test lines. Sensitivities for the 70 P. vivax, 69 P. ovale and 16 P. malariae were 74.3%, 31.9% and 25.0% respectively. Overall, Pf-pLDH test lines showed higher line intensities compared to the pan-pLDH lines, with 67.9% and 23.0% medium and strong line intensities for P. falciparum.

In the prospective panel, the CareStart pLDH RDT (AccessBio Inc.; Monmouth, NJ, USA) showed higher sensitivities for P. falciparum compared to OptiMAL (Pf-pLDH/pan-pLDH, BioRad; Marnes-la-Coquette, France) and lower sensitivities for P. falciparum as compare to SDFK60 (histidine-rich protein-2 (HRP-2)/pan-pLDH; Standard Diagnostics; Hagal-Dong, Korea). Wrong species identification occurred in 10 (2.5%) samples and was mainly due to P. vivax samples reacting with the Pf-pLDH test line.

The authors concluded that CareStart pLDH may be an alternative to other well-described HRP-2 three band RDTs in the diagnostic setting in non-endemic areas. Despite being better than the other two RDTs that were run side by side, it should be noted that its performance for the detection of P. ovale and P. malariae is mediocre. The study was published on June 18, 2012, in the Malaria Journal.

Related Links:

Maastricht University
AccessBio Inc.
BioRad



Platinum Member
Automated Coagulation Analyzer
Hemolumi H6
Gold Member
Quantitative POC Immunoassay Analyzer
EASY READER+
New
Fully Automated Urinalysis System
DxU 1800 Fully Automated Urinalysis System
New
Gold Member
Serum Indices Control
Acusera Serum Indices Control
Read the full article by registering today, it's FREE! It's Free!
Register now for FREE to LabMedica.com and get access to news and events that shape the world of Clinical Laboratory Medicine.
  • Free digital version edition of LabMedica International sent by email on regular basis
  • Free print version of LabMedica International magazine (available only outside USA and Canada).
  • Free and unlimited access to back issues of LabMedica International in digital format
  • Free LabMedica International Newsletter sent every week containing the latest news
  • Free breaking news sent via email
  • Free access to Events Calendar
  • Free access to LinkXpress new product services
  • REGISTRATION IS FREE AND EASY!
Click here to Register








Channels

Clinical Chemistry

view channel
Image Credit: 123RF

Screening After Pneumococcal Disease May Reveal Undiagnosed Blood Cancer or Immune Disorders

Severe pneumococcal disease requiring hospitalization often presents as pneumonia, particularly in older adults and people with cancer or compromised immune function. Because M protein testing and antibody... Read more

Technology

view channel
Image: The laser-based photoacoustic spectroscopy setup consists of a Mid-IR laser equipped with three QCL modules covering wavelengths from 5.6 μm to 12.9 μm, two silver coated mirrors (SCM), a dichroic mirror (DM) with a transmittance of 90%, a thermal power sensor head (PM) to monitor the output laser power, a mechanical chopper (MC) for frequency modulation and a CEPAS-detector with a self-designed swab holder (SH). (Credit: Graunke, T., Scholz, T., Pieniak, M. et al. Scientific Reports (2026). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-026-68298-9)

Laser-Based Swab Analysis Shows Promise for Detecting Disease-Linked Odor Patterns

Disease-related changes in volatile organic compounds can alter body odor, producing measurable patterns in exhaled breath and bodily fluids. Current analytical methods can be complex, time-consuming,... Read more

Industry

view channel
Image

Collaboration Combines AI Cognitive Assessment and RNA Blood Testing for Earlier Alzheimer’s Detection

Alzheimer’s disease is often identified only after substantial neurodegeneration, partly because current diagnostic pathways are fragmented and difficult to scale. As treatment shifts toward earlier intervention,... Read more
Copyright © 2000-2026 Globetech Media. All rights reserved.