Rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs)

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OVERVIEW

RDTs detect malarial parasite antigens in the blood of infected individuals. Precise test formats can differ according to manufacturer and purpose, but follow similar principles using either a plastic cassette or a folding card. The simplest format (with a single test and control line) is shown below.

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Essentially, a lysis buffer is introduced to one window and a sample of blood into the second window. The interaction between buffer and sample breaks down the red cells and any malaria parasites present; the "lysed" sample then diffuses along the strip encountering labelled antibodies that detect the presence of parasites, forming a visible band in one or more test windows (T). Successful test performance will be shown by the appearance of a control band (C).

Click for more detail on how the tests work

THE BASICS

RDTs provide a rapid means to indicate the possible presence or absence of malaria infection but should never be considered to a "gold standard" test

In brief:

1. Tests vary in quality: both manufacturer and batch variation (see the World Health Organisation performance evaluation).
2. Practicalities are vital: incorrect storage, use or reading are major causes of test failure world-wide.
3. Performance varies between species and design: be aware of the limitations of your selected test..

A broad summary is given below (note these are for general guidance only since performance may vary between test types and conditions)

P.falciparum1
At high parasitaemia expect high sensitivity (90-95%). This declines when parasite levels are lower (45-70%)2
P.vivax
Expect moderate to high sensitivity at high parasitaemia (70-90%). This declines markedly when parasite levels are lower (30-60%)2
P.ovale & P.malarae
Generally sensitivity is poor (approximately half the sensitivity shown for P.vivax)
P.knowlesi3
Reports suggest variable sensitivity that may depend on test used, RDTs may detect this species well when parasitaemia is high.

Notes:
¹ HRP2 mutation mean that in some geographical areas the diagnostic sensitivity may be significantlu lower (see below)
² Low parasite number is considered as (<1000 parasites/μL) a level that may cause symptoms in children or non-immune travellers
³ There have been relatively few studies with this species so caution is required in RDT interpretation

THE ANTIGENS

Tests from differert manufacurers recognise different malarial antigens. These have different different benefits or drawbacks. You should be aware of these when interpreting results:

1. Species-specific antigens: these detect individual malaria species

*Histidine-rich protein 2 (HRP2): specific for P.falciparum - Click for details
*Species-specific forms of lactate dehydrogenase: principally either P.falciparum or P.vivax Click for details

2. Pan-specific antigens: these detect the presence of any malaria species

*Pan-specific Plasmodium lactate dehydrogenase (PpanLDH): a form of LDH that is present in all malaria species Click for details
*Pan-Plasmodium Aldolase Antigen (Aldolase): a malaria-specific form of aldolase that is present in all species Click for details

TEST FORMATS

The following formats are available:

Single band tests (comprising a single test band and a control) (image)

• simplicity and lower cost
• suitable only where there is a sigle dominant malaria species.

The single secies P.falciparum diagnostic test has been successfully applied in Africa areas where infections with this species account for more than 95% of infections.

Multi-band tests: the most frequent form identifies the dominant or most important species with a species-specific band for the selected region, then a second band idetifies antigens expressed by all malaria species. Two formats are used:

PF/general PV/general

Test selection

INTERPRETATION and PROBLEMS

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