Rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs)
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| Overview |
RDTs detect antigens derived from malaria parasites in the blood of infected individuals. Precise formats differ according to manufacturer and purpose, but the simplest format (with a single test and control line) is shown below.
Essentially, a lysis buffer will be introduced to the test through one window (B on the image); a sample of blood is introduced into a second window (S). The interaction between buffer and sample will breakdown the red cells; this lysed sample they will diffuse along the strip where labelled antibodies will be used to 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).
| Descriptions (click title for link) |