Fri. Mar 29th, 2024

Rapid Malaria Test: falciparum or vivax

This cassette test kit is a convenient and rapid immunochromatographic assay for the qualitative detection of P.f versus P.v. The CE-marked test kit enables point-of-care testing using high-quality tests manufactured in North America and held to the highest standards of sensitivity and specificity. MOQ is 1000, with no sales within the US.

  • Immunochromatographic Antigen Capture Assay
  • It can be used with whole blood or serum samples.
  • Results ready in 20-30 minutes

The Problem

Malaria is endemic in many regions of the world and remains the leading cause of death for babies, children and mothers. Pregnancy is a particularly vulnerable time for contracting malaria, and treatment is essential for both mother and fetus. For a pregnant woman and fetus, malaria infection during pregnancy can lead to maternal anaemia, miscarriage, stillbirth, premature delivery, and low birth weight, one of the leading causes of infant mortality.

Babies with malaria are at increased risk for rapid disease progression, severe anaemia, severe malaria, and death. Falciparum malaria causes more severe disease, mortality, and morbidity, so understanding which strains a person has contracted is key to better treating them.

The Solution

This cassette test kit is a convenient and rapid antigen capture immunochromatographic assay for the qualitative detection of Plasmodium falciparum (P.f) versus Plasmodium vivax (P.v) in whole blood or serum samples. Difference between these two different strains of malaria by detecting the presence of two specific soluble proteins that are released from infected red blood cells: histidine-rich protein II (HRP-II) specific for Plasmodium falciparum (Pf) and lactate dehydrogenase (pLDH) specific for Plasmodium vivax (Pv).

To perform the test, a blood or serum sample is pipetted into the test sample well and a buffer is added to the buffer well. The test works by detecting these two specific soluble proteins in the blood or serum sample as it flows through the assay using, first, monoclonal antibodies specifically against pLDH and HRP-II, respectively, and conjugated to colloidal gold that binds to these proteins and provides a “visual tag”.

Second, by two separate test lines, one with monoclonal antibodies specifically immobilized against pLDH and the other with monoclonal antibodies specifically immobilized against HRP-II, which capture the protein-antibody complex -relevant gold. When a test line is concentrated with complexes, the concentrated visual tag produces a visible colour band that confirms the presence of the target molecule (pLDH or HRP-II) and thus the strain of malaria infection. Results are ready in 20-30 minutes.

Detecting which strain will help ensure that people infected with malaria receive the most effective treatment. This is especially important for a pregnant woman and fetus who are at risk of poor delivery outcomes.