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Thick vs Thin film comparison: Difference between revisions

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File:2_Trophs_MP.jpg|<span style="font-size:80%">Two ring frms of ''P.falciparum''</span>|link={{filepath:2_Trophs_MP.jpg}}
File:PFET2g.jpg|<span style="font-size:80%">Two ring frms of ''P.falciparum''</span>|link={{filepath:PFET2g.jpg}}
File:3_Trophs_HP.jpg|<span style="font-size:80%">High-power image of the parasites</span>|link={{filepath:3_Trophs_HP.jpg}}
File:3_Trophs_HP.jpg|<span style="font-size:80%">High-power image of the parasites</span>|link={{filepath:3_Trophs_HP.jpg}}
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Revision as of 13:59, 14 February 2025


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Relative merits of thick or thin films in malaria diagnosis



Feature Thick Film Thin Film
Sensitivity for detection Higher: detects low parasitaemia ~5–10 parasites/µL Lower: generally needs ~50 parasites/µL for reliable detection)
Species Identification Poor: RBC morphology lost and species-specific features may be difficult Excellent: Parasite morphology and RBC characteristics are readily observed
Quantification of parasitaemia Difficult: requires estimation so is imprecise Easier: parasites can be counted per number of RBCs
Preparation and staining Longer: requires air drying before careful staining to avoid artefact Faster: films are fixed and stained immediately with clearer morphology


COMPARISON OF THICK AND THIN FILMS
1. Sensitivity for detection
Thick film: Higher - can detect lower levels of parasitaemia ~5–10 parasites/µL
Thin film: Lower - generally requires ~50 parasites/µL for reliable detection