Interpretation guide: SINGLE BAND tests

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Single band RDT tests

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RESULT PATTERN 1

Failed test: No band appears in the control area (black arrow):

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Irrespective of whether any other bands are present, this is always an invalid test: do not interpret. Report as failed test
Action:

• Repeat the test
  
• Consider the reasons for [ test failure ]

RESULT PATTERN 2

The test has valid control line (black arrow) and an additional band in the species-specific area (red arrow)

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Most likely interpretation: The species detected by the test is present and is the only malaria species infecting the individual

Less likely but possible interpretations:

• There is a dual-species infection (a second species cannot be detected by single band kits) [ Co-infection with two species ]
• The patient recently received successful treatment, but the antigen has not yet cleared [ Clearance of parasite antigens from blood ]
• The "specific band" is a false positive result (infrequent but observed) [ False positive reaction in RDT tests ]

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RESULT PATTERN 3

The test has valid control line (black arrow) but there is no band in the species-specific area (red arrow)

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Most likely interpretation: the species detected by the test is not present

Less likely but possible alternatives:

• A faint band was present but not seen by observer
• The species is present but not detected due to low parasite concentration [ Limits of detection ].
• The species is present is but not detected for technical reasons [ Practical reasons for poor RDT performance ]
• The species is present, but there is gene deletion of the target antigen (HRP2 tests) [ HRP2 gene deletion ]
• The species is at very high level that exceeds test capacity - (mainly HRP2 tests) [ Prozone-like effect ]

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