DOI: 10.36347/sjams.2016.v04i07.049

Pages: 2539-2543

Malaria is a protozoan disease caused by the parasites of the genus Plasmodium; Plasmodium vivax, Plasmodium malariae, Plasmodium falciparum, and Plasmodium ovale. Microscopy is the gold standard for the laboratory diagnosis of malaria parasite but its turnaround time is much more than that of RDT and it requires adequate training. RDTs are alternative diagnostic methods because they are quick and easy to carry out. We studied 500 blood samples of patients presented with sign and symptoms of malaria from OPD and various wards of SHKM GMC Nalhar, from June 2015 to May 2016. All of the samples obtained were first tested by RDTs, and then the same samples were used to make peripheral blood film. RDT have more sensitivity than PBF. Specificity and PPV of rapid card test were 93.6%, 87.2% and sensitivity and NPV were 91.3%, 95.7%. In case of outdoor fields activity peripheral regions RDT is a good option. We recommended that RDT in conjunction with microscopy should improve the diagnosis of malaria.