Parameter Included: 1
Parameter Included: 1
Reliable, Patna
RDCPAT
: Reliable, Patna
Reliable, Palm View, Patna
RDCPVP
: Reliable, Palm View, Patna
Reliable, Saharsa
RDCSAH
: Reliable, Saharsa
This test is done to identify the presence of malarial parasites in the blood. Malaria is an infectious disease which is caused by species of Plasmodium parasite. It is transmitted through the bite of an infected mosquito. The species which cause malaria in humans include P. Vivax, P. malariae, P. ovale, and P. falciparum. This test is advised if you experience any signs and symptoms of malaria like shaking chills, fever, headache, and profuse sweating. The malarial parasite can be identified by examining a blood smear slide under the microscope. A positive result indicates the presence of the malarial parasite while a negative result indicates no malarial parasite.
During the microscopic examination, a drop of the patient's blood is placed on a glass slide and stained with specific dyes, such as Giemsa stain. The stained blood smear is then examined under a microscope at high magnification. Trained laboratory technicians or healthcare professionals carefully observe the slide to identify and classify the malarial parasites.
The identification of malarial parasites involves recognizing their characteristic features, such as their shape, size, and the presence of pigment inside their red blood cell stages of the parasite's life cycle, including the ring forms, trophozoites, schizonts, and gametocytes, can be observed and differentiated.
Malarial parasites are mainly classified into four species: Plasmodium falciparum, Plasmodium vivax, Plasmodium malariae, and Plasmodium ovale. The microscopic examination can help determine the species of the malarial parasite and provide valuable information for selecting the most appropriate treatment regimen.
Microscopic examination of malarial parasites is considered the gold standard for malaria diagnosis, particularly in resource-limited settings where other diagnostic methods may not be readily available or affordable. It requires skilled personnel and proper laboratory conditions for accurate interpretation.
Advancements in technology, such as rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs) based on antigen detection, have provided an alternative to microscopic examination. However, the microscopic method remains essential in confirming the diagnosis, detecting low-level parasitemia, assessing the parasite's density, and monitoring treatment response.
In conclusion, malarial parasites microscopic examination is a vital diagnostic tool for identifying and classifying malaria parasites in a patient's blood sample. It allows for accurate species identification and assists in determining appropriate treatment. While other diagnostic methods have emerged, the meticulous examination under a microscope remains a crucial component in malaria diagnosis and management.