Malaria Infection Test

What is Malaria?

Malaria is a life-threatening disease that is caused by a parasite. There are 5 different species of the Plasmodium parasite that can cause malaria in humans. The most common two varieties are P. falciparum and P. vivax. These parasites are transmitted to humans through the bite of an infected female Anopheles mosquito. This parasitic infection can also be spread from person to person by a blood transfusion from infected people or through the sharing of contaminated needles or syringes. People who are infected with the malaria parasite can also transmit the parasite to an uninfected mosquito that can then go on to bite another person and infect them with malaria. Malaria is a common infection in tropical and subtropical regions of the world.

How can a Malaria infection be tested?

Malaria is diagnosed by detecting the parasite in the blood using a microscope. A small sample of your blood will be taken by our trained clinician and this will be sent to our laboratory. At the laboratory, your blood will be placed onto a glass slide and examined under a microscope. If you are infected with malaria, the parasites will be visible to our trained examiner and you will be diagnosed as having malaria. In some instances, additional tests can be run on your blood sample to look for the genetic fingerprint of the parasite or look for antibodies. Any additional tests will be at the discretion of our laboratory to ensure a fast and accurate diagnosis.

What are the symptoms of a Malaria infection?

The symptoms of a malaria infection can include any of the following points listed below. However, it is also possible that you will not experience any severe symptoms but if you have been in an area where malaria infections are common, or if you have been bitten by mosquitos and are concerned about malaria, then a test would be a sensible next step.

Symptoms of a Malaria infection

• Diarrhoea
• Fever
• Chills
• Headache
• Muscle aches
• Confusion
• Seizures
• Difficulty breathing
• Yellowing of the skin and eyes

What tests will you run on my sample?

• A sample of your blood will be smeared onto a glass slide and a microscopic examination of your sample undertaken to detect the malaria parasites.
• Additional tests may be run on your sample including tests to determine the genetic makeup of the infecting parasites.

What happens if my Malaria test results are positive?

If your malaria infection test results are positive you should see a doctor. A positive result indicates that you are infected with malaria and that you require urgent treatment against this dangerous infection. Better2Know can organise private consultations across the country with our network of skilled doctors.

How can I book my Malaria infection test?

To book your test, please click “Get Started” or call Better2Know on the number above. A member of our dedicated Patient Services team will be available to answer any questions and organise your booking. Better2Know provides a wide range of screens and health tests across the country. For your convenience, our welcoming and experienced team are available 24/7.