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Malarial Parasite Identification by Smear Examination

Also referred as

Peripheral smear examination for the malarial parasite

Malaria microscopy

Malaria parasite/Blood parasite identification

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The Malarial Parasite Identification by Smear Examination test confirms the presence or absence of malarial parasites in the body, identifies the parasite species involved, and the extent of infection. This test is done via microscopic examination and is the standard method recommended by World Health Organization (WHO) for malaria testing.

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Understanding Malarial Parasite Identification by Smear Examination

Malaria is an acute febrile illness caused by Plasmodium parasites that spreads to people through the bites of infected female Anopheles mosquitoes. Common symptoms of malaria include chills, fever, headache, body aches, fatigue, etc. Usually, the symptoms appear within 10 to 15 days of being bitten by an infected mosquito. However, rarely, they may appear as early as 7 days or as late as months after the exposure. Malaria is both preventable and curable, but it may become life-threatening if left untreated.

The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends prompt diagnosis for anyone who has symptoms of malaria fever or has recently traveled to an area where malaria is common. Diagnostic testing helps with early diagnosis and enables healthcare providers to differentiate malarial fever from other non-malarial fevers, facilitating appropriate treatment.

A positive Malarial Parasite Identification by Smear Examination test result indicates the presence of the malarial parasite, whereas a negative test result in the presence of symptoms requires repeat testing in the next 12-24 hrs as the number of parasites in the bloodstream may vary. Your doctor may also advise this test to monitor the treatment efficacy. Furthermore, after treatment completion, this test may also help check recurrence.

Usually, no special preparation is required for this test; you may eat and drink as per your daily routine. A trained phlebotomist will take the blood sample from a vein in your arm using a small needle. Talk to the doctor about your specific the Malarial Parasite Identification by Smear Examination test results. Narrate your complete medical history to help them correlate your clinical and laboratory findings.

What does Malarial Parasite Identification by Smear Examination measure?

The Malarial Parasite Identification by Smear Examination test is the standard test to diagnose malaria via microscopic examination of the blood sample of anyone with suspected malaria. A blood smear is prepared and then stained with Giemsa stain. This staining gives the malaria parasite a distinctive appearance under a microscope. The diagnosis is made by spotting the malaria parasite, its antigens, or its products in the smear. Thick smears help detect the presence of parasites while thin smears help detect the species of parasite.

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FAQs related to Malarial Parasite Identification by Smear Examination

How does malaria spread?

Malaria spreads through the bite of a female Anopheles mosquito. When this mosquito bites humans, the parasites of malaria get transferred to humans and reach the liver. After that, the parasites enter healthy red blood cells (RBCs) and continue to grow and multiply. Then, they destroy the RBCs, burst to form daughter parasites, and infect other healthy RBCs.

What are the symptoms of malaria?

The symptoms of malaria include chills, high fever, sweating, nausea, vomiting, headache, stomach pain, fatigue, and muscle pain. If you notice any of these, consult a doctor immediately.

What are the different diagnostic tests for malaria?

Some of the common tests to diagnose and detect malaria include microscopic examination of blood smears (Blood Film Examination), rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs), nucleic acid-based tests, serological tests, and antigen capture assays.

When can the malaria test be advised?

The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends the malaria test for individuals who show symptoms of malaria fever, like chills, fever, body aches, headache, fatigue, etc., or have recently traveled to an area where malaria is common.

What are the different names of a malaria test?

A malaria test is also known by the names peripheral smear examination for the malarial parasite, malaria microscopy, and malaria parasite/blood parasite identification.

Do negative test results of the Malarial Parasite Identification by Smear Examination test mean that malaria is not there?

No, negative results of the Malarial Parasite Identification by Smear Examination test do not confirm the absence of malaria. The negative results might be due to the absence of malarial parasites in the prepared peripheral blood smear. In such cases, your doctor may advise you a re-test if the symptoms of malaria persist or worsen.

How does the malaria test kit or malaria rapid diagnostic test (RDT) work?

The malaria test kit or malaria RDT detects specific antigens (proteins) produced by malaria parasites in the blood of infected individuals. This way it provides evidence of the presence of malaria parasite in human blood. Some RDTs can detect only one species of the malaria parasite (Plasmodium falciparum or P. vivax) while others detect multiple species (P. falciparum, P. vivax, P. malariae and P. ovale).

Are malaria and dengue the same thing?

No, malaria and dengue are two different diseases. Malaria is a parasitic infection, whereas dengue is a viral infection.

How can I recover from malaria?

If your malaria test results are positive, consult your doctor without delay. The doctor will provide appropriate treatment depending on your condition, including antimalarial medicines. Include vitamin A- and vitamin C-rich fruits and vegetables, such as pineapple, oranges, grapes, berries, lemon, beetroot, carrot, papaya, and sweet lime, in your diet as these vitamins help to detoxify the body and boost immunity.

Content created by

Dr. Anupriya Nautiyal

MD Pathology, MBBS

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Last Updated

10th Oct 2025