Short Name: MAS
Sample required: Serum
Result Time: 2 Days
Malaria is caused by a parasite called Plasmodium, which is transmitted via the bites of infected mosquitoes. The parasites multiply in the liver, and then infect red blood cells. Ideally, blood should be drawn in the middle of the paroxysm of chills and fever, because the greatest number of parasites is likely to be present in the blood at this time. Since paroxysms cannot always be predicted, smears should be taken at intervals of 6 to 18 hours for three successive days. Each smear should be examined immediately. Negative smears for three consecutive days during symptoms are consistent with the absence of malarial infection.