There are different types of RDT for malaria. Some are less expensive than others, and require no special equipment. They are also easier to use and take less time to perform. Dipstick tests are widely used. They do not require specialized training, but the risk of blood contamination is higher. Even then, using protective gloves can minimize the risk of contamination. Most formats detect HRP II antigen, which is specific for P. falciparum. The results are usually negative if the parasite has already cleared the patient's body.
The WHO requires that RDTs detect at least 100 parasites per microlitre in blood. This is equivalent to the diagnostic sensitivity of an expert microscopist in endemic areas. At lower concentrations, RDTs are less reliable. However, the level of sensitivity can be as high as five to ten parasites per microlitre, and the difference may be significant. For this reason, the WHO recommends that an RDT sensitivity of 95% at 100 parasites per millilitre is sufficient.
In endemic areas, the sensitivity of RDTs is equivalent to that of a field microscopist. Below that, the sensitivity becomes less reliable and expert microscopists should aim for a sensitivity of five to ten parasites per microlitre. The level of senescence in the test strips depends on the species of the parasite and the antigens. The genetic variability of P. falciparum also reduces sensitivity.
The sensitivity of RDTs is dependent on a number of factors. The target antigen and capture antibody are important in the test results, as these factors can alter the result. The type of parasite present in the blood is also important. The antigen levels of the parasite may be different in different patients. The RDT sensitivity of an individual may depend on the setting where the sample was obtained. Some sensitivity tests are not as sensitive as others.
The performance of RDTs for malaria depends on a number of factors. The target antigen, the target antibody, and the level of parasitemia are among the factors affecting sensitivity. Additionally, the test strips may differ in quality from one batch to another, making them more or less reliable. Furthermore, some tests do not work as well as they should. If you want to be sure that your patient has malaria, the performance of RDTs should be high.
The performance of an RDT for malaria is dependent on a number of factors. The parasite type and parasitemia level are important in determining the effectiveness of the test. There are three main types of RDTs: analyti-positive and a negative one. These tests are highly sensitive and require a high level of patient blood for accurate diagnosis. In some cases, negative results are a false alarm due to the prozone phenomenon.
While there are many different types of RDTs for malaria, the most common type is the PCR-based RDT. Both tests require samples from patients to be tested. The sensitivity of the tests depends on a variety of factors, including the species and parasitemia. For P. falciparum, the sensitivity of an RDT will vary between PCR results and the results from other malaria species.
The sensitivity and specificity of malaria RDTs are different. The sensitivity of the test is high in RDTs for malaria. Moreover, these tests are not sensitive enough to detect non-falciparum malaria. This means that the RDT is not very accurate. For this reason, it is important to have a doctor who is skilled in performing such tests to avoid the risk of misdiagnosis.
The sensitivity of RDTs depends on a number of factors. The sensitivity of an RDT varies based on the type of parasite, endemicity, and the presence of gametocytemia. It also depends on the type of target antigen and the antigens. As a result, RDTs may not be as accurate as the laboratory-based test. Therefore, they are only effective when the patient is positive for malaria.