Rapid Diagnosis Facilitates Targeted Malaria Treatment

A simple field or laboratory test for the differential diagnosis of a malaria infection provides results in 15 minutes, allowing for fast and accurate treatment as well as improved patient outcomes.

The BinaxNOW Malaria test, which utilizes a patented card device, is a product of Inverness Medical (Waltham, MA, USA). It is a rapid immunodiagnostic assay for the detection of malarial parasite antigens in whole blood. The test follows a simple procedure where a whole blood finger-prick specimen is added to a sample pad. The speed and efficiency of the test allow the patient to be diagnosed and treated in the same visit, enabling healthcare workers to combat the threat of malaria as quickly as possible.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO, Geneva, Switzerland), 300-500 million people a year develop malaria. The disease is transmitted by the bite of the female Anopheles mosquito and is caused by the blood-borne parasites Plasmodium falciparum, P ovale, P vivax, and P malariae. Although more than 90% of cases occur in Africa, 40% of the world's population is at risk of the disease.

With the increase of international tourism, an estimated 30,000 travelers fall ill with the disease annually. Symptoms of the disease sometimes take weeks or even months to appear after exposure, and prompt diagnosis and correct treatment are required to prevent progression to severe disease or death.

The BinaxNOW range of tests is designed for use by healthcare professionals only in hospitals, clinics, and other point-of-care settings. They are immunochromatographic tests (ICT) that detect bacteria, viruses, and parasites.


Related Links:
Inverness Medical
World Health Organization