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    What Is a Malarial Antigen Test?

    The Malarial Antigen (Rapid) test is a quick and simple way to detect malaria by identifying specific proteins (antigens) produced by the malarial parasite in the blood. Malaria is a serious, potentially life-threatening disease caused by parasites such as Plasmodium falciparum and Plasmodium vivax. These parasites infect human red blood cells (RBCs) and multiply in them, leading to their destruction and making the person very sick. Early symptoms of malaria resemble those of the flu, but if left untreated, the disease can become fatal.

    Fortunately, malaria is treatable with medication when diagnosed early. Early testing helps ensure timely treatment before the disease progresses to its severe stages. Most malaria cases occur in individuals who have recently travelled to tropical regions, although it can also spread through blood transfusion, organ transplant, or sharing needles. Malaria is not transmitted through casual contact, such as being near someone with the disease or through sexual activity. However, pregnant women with malaria can pass the infection to their unborn babies

    If the Rapid Diagnostic Test (RDT) results for malaria are positive, it is typically followed by microscopy to identify the species that caused malaria and assess the severity of the infection.

    Malarial Antigen (Rapid) Test Price

    The Malarial Antigen Test Price in India is around: Rs. 650/- approx .

    The Malarial Antigen (Rapid) test price includes home sample collection, allowing you to have your blood sample collected from the comfort of your home through Orange Health Labs. Please note that test prices may vary depending on your location and the diagnostic centre you choose. Below is the Malarial Antigen (Rapid) test cost across different cities:

    Malarial Antigen Test Cost Across India

    Preparations for the Malarial Antigen (Rapid) Test

    Preparing for a Malarial Antigen (Rapid) test is easy and usually does not involve any special requirements. You can eat and drink as usual unless your doctor provides specific instructions.

    • No fasting is required for the test.

    • Inform your doctor of any medications you take, especially antimalarial drugs, as they might affect test results.

    • Share your travel history of the past year with your doctor to help ensure an accurate diagnosis.

    Malarial Antigen (Rapid) Test Procedure

    The Malarial Antigen (Rapid) test is quick, minimally invasive, and requires only a small blood sample. A finger prick test by an eMedic from Orange Health Labs is a quick and simple way to collect a blood sample for testing. Here’s how it works:

    • Preparation: The eMedic ensures that the test environment is clean and that they have all the necessary equipment ready, including test strips, lancets (for the finger prick), gloves, and alcohol wipes.

    • Cleaning the finger: The eMedic cleans the fingertip with an alcohol wipe.

    • Pricking the finger: A small lancet is used to prick the side of your fingertip.

    • Collecting blood: A drop of blood is collected on a test strip or capillary tube.

    • Testing: The blood sample is placed on the test strip.

    • Results: Will be sent to you within 6 hours of sample collection.

    Why Take the Malarial Antigen (Rapid) Test?

    The Malarial Antigen (Rapid) test is a valuable tool for quickly diagnosing malaria and enabling prompt treatment to prevent severe complications or death. It is especially useful in remote areas with limited access to laboratory facilities, offering a practical alternative to traditional microscopy. By identifying malaria early, the test helps reduce the risk of serious outcomes and supports efforts to monitor malaria prevalence and investigate outbreaks.

    Who Should Take the Malarial Antigen (Rapid) Test?

    The Malarial Antigen (Rapid) test may be recommended for individuals:

    • With symptoms of malaria, such as fever, chills, and fatigue, especially after travelling to any malaria-endemic areas.

    • Who have recently visited or lived in regions where malaria is common, particularly sub-Saharan Africa and parts of Asia.

    • Who are pregnant and stay in malaria-endemic areas, as malaria can lead to serious complications for both mother and baby.

    • With unexplained fever or flu-like symptoms, particularly in areas with high malaria transmission.

    • Who participate in malaria outbreak investigations or surveys of parasite prevalence.

    • Living in remote or rural areas where access to advanced diagnostic tools like microscopy is limited.

    • Like hospital workers or travellers who work in or visit malaria-endemic areas.

    • In high-risk groups such as children, elderly, or immunocompromised individuals in malaria-endemic regions.

    Signs That Indicate the Need for a Malarial Antigen (Rapid) Test

    You should consider taking the Malarial Antigen (Rapid) test if you have recently visited areas with high malaria transmission or are in a high-risk group (like pregnant women, children, or those with weakened immune systems) to prevent severe complications. Consider taking the test if you observe the following signs and symptoms:

    • Unexplained fever, chills, or sweating

    • Persistent fatigue or weakness

    • Headaches and body aches

    • Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhoea

    • Loss of appetite

    • Yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice)

    • Difficulty breathing or a sore throat

    Malarial Antigen (Rapid) Test Results and Interpretation

    Here is how you can interpret the results of the Malarial Antigen (Rapid) test:

    Test ParameterResult and Interpretation
    Serum Malarial AntigenPositive Result : Indicates the presence of malarial antigens in the blood, confirming active malaria. Negative Result : Indicates that no malarial antigens were detected in the sample.

    FAQs on Malarial Antigen Test

    • Malarial Antigen Test Cost in Bangalore: ₹ 650

    • Malarial Antigen Test Price in Delhi: ₹ 550

    • Malarial Antigen Test Cost in Gurgaon: ₹ 550

    • Malarial Antigen Test Price in Hyderabad: ₹ 590

    • Malarial Antigen Test Cost in Mumbai: ₹ 590

    • Malarial Antigen Test Price in Noida: ₹ 550

    It’s a quick finger-prick blood test that detects malaria by identifying antigens from the malarial parasite. Results are available within a few hours.

    No, fasting is not required. You can eat and drink normally before the test.

    If you have a fever, chills, fatigue, or have recently traveled to a malaria-prone area.

    It means malaria antigens were found, and you may need further testing to confirm the type of parasite and start treatment immediately.

    Yes. Orange Health offers at-home sample collection, so you can get tested comfortably and safely with results delivered digitally.

    What Does the Malarial Antigen (Rapid) Test Measure?

    The Malarial Antigen (Rapid) test measures the presence of specific antigens produced by malarial parasites in the blood. These antigens are typically released by the Plasmodium parasites responsible for malaria. The test is designed to detect antigens from different species of Plasmodium, including Plasmodium falciparum, which is associated with the most severe form of malaria. By identifying these antigens, the test helps confirm whether an individual is infected with malaria, allowing for quicker diagnosis and more timely treatment

    The test is particularly useful in areas where access to advanced diagnostic tools like microscopy is limited and provides valuable information to guide health workers in managing and treating malaria effectively.

    Factors That Affect Your Malarial Antigen (Rapid) Test Results

    Several factors can influence the accuracy of a Malarial Antigen (Rapid) test, which include the following:

    Parasite density, species differences, and antigen variations: A low parasite count or certain malaria species, such as P. ovale or P. malariae, can lead to false negative results. Additionally, variations in malaria strains' proteins may affect the test’s accuracy.

    Medications: Certain medications, such as antimalarial drugs, can interfere with the test and affect the results.

    Underlying Health Conditions: People with weakened immunity may have lower parasite levels, leading to false negatives, while coexisting infections can affect the test’s accuracy or the body’s response to malaria.

    When to Seek Medical Advice Based on Malarial Antigen (Rapid) Test Results

    You should seek medical advice after getting the results of your Malarial Antigen (Rapid) test results if:

    • The test result is positive to confirm the species and start treatment immediately.

    • The test result is negative but symptoms like fever persist, as further evaluation may be needed.

    • For unclear results, follow-up testing is recommended.

    • You are a high-risk individual – pregnant women or individuals with weakened immunity should seek care regardless of the test result, especially after travelling to any malaria-endemic areas

    Key Benefits of the Malarial Antigen (Rapid) Test

    The Malarial Antigen (Rapid) test offers several key benefits, as follows:

    • Fast results: Provides results within 6 of sample collection, enabling quick diagnosis and timely treatment.

    • Easy to use: Requires minimal training and can be performed by health workers in remote areas.

    • Affordable and accessible: Provides an affordable option for malarial testing and is more accessible compared to traditional microscopy.

    • Non-invasive: Uses a simple finger-prick blood sample for testing.

    • Detects multiple species: Identifies infections caused by different Plasmodium species, guiding appropriate treatment.

    • Helps control malaria: Enables prompt diagnosis, which is essential in preventing the spread and severity of malaria.

    Common Conditions Diagnosed by the Malarial Antigen (Rapid) Test

    The Malarial Antigen (Rapid) test is primarily used to diagnose malaria, a serious infection caused by the Plasmodium parasites. Common conditions diagnosed by the test include:

    • Plasmodium falciparum malaria – the most dangerous form of malaria, often leading to severe illness.

    • Plasmodium vivax malaria – a common form that can relapse after treatment.

    This test helps detect malaria early, guiding prompt and appropriate treatment to prevent complications.

    Risk Factors for a Positive Malarial Antigen (Rapid) Test Result

    Several factors can increase the risk of abnormal Malarial Antigen (Rapid) test results, indicating a higher likelihood of malaria or its complications, as follows:

    • Recent travel to malaria-endemic areas: Individuals who have visited regions with high malaria transmission, especially sub-Saharan Africa, Southeast Asia, or parts of South America, are at increased risk.

    • Exposure to mosquito bites: Spending time outdoors or in areas with high mosquito activity increases the risk of malaria.

    • Living in malaria-endemic regions: People living in areas where malaria is prevalent are at higher risk of infection.

    • Weakened immune system: Individuals with weak immune systems, such as those with Human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome or individuals undergoing chemotherapy, are more vulnerable to malaria and may have abnormal test results.

    • Pregnancy: Pregnant women are more susceptible to malaria, which can be severe and lead to complications for both the mother and the baby.

    • Young children and the elderly: Both age groups are at increased risk for severe malaria due to their weaker immune responses.

    • Inadequate malaria prevention measures: Not using mosquito nets, repellents, or other preventive strategies increases the likelihood of contracting malaria.

    • History of malaria: A history of having had malaria may increase the risk of recurrent infections, especially in areas with ongoing transmission.

    Complications of an Untreated Positive Malarial Antigen (Rapid) Test Result

    If a positive Malarial Antigen (Rapid) test result is left untreated, it can lead to serious complications, as follows:

    • Life-threatening complications: Untreated Plasmodium falciparum infections can lead to life-threatening complications, including cerebral malaria, organ failure, and shock.

    • Anaemia: Malarial parasites destroy RBCs, leading to severe anaemia, which can cause fatigue, weakness, and complications in vital organs.

    • Pregnancy complications: Untreated malaria during pregnancy increases the risk of miscarriage, premature birth, and low birth weight.

    • Organ damage: Prolonged malaria can lead to damage to vital organs such as the liver, kidneys, and brain.

    • Post-treatment relapse: Some malaria species, like Plasmodium vivax, can cause relapses if not completely treated, leading to recurrent illness.

    • Death: Without prompt treatment, severe malaria, especially that caused by P. falciparum, can be fatal.

    How to Stay Healthy & Prevent Malaria

    To maintain health and reduce the risk of malaria, consider the following measures:

    • Use mosquito protection: Sleep under insecticide-treated bed nets, wear long sleeves, and use mosquito repellents, especially in malaria-endemic areas.

    • Avoid mosquito habitats: Stay indoors during peak mosquito activity and remove any standing water around your home to eliminate mosquito breeding sites.

    • Take prophylactic medications: If you need to travel to a malaria-endemic region, consult a doctor for malaria prevention medications.

    • Seek early diagnosis and treatment: If you develop symptoms like fever, chills, or fatigue after travelling to a malaria-prone area, seek medical attention promptly for testing and treatment.

    • Follow malaria control programs: Participate in local malaria control initiatives such as insecticide spraying or community education about prevention.

    • Vaccines: Malaria vaccines like RTS,S/AS01 and R21/Matrix-M serve as preventive measures for malaria in children, especially in high-risk areas.

    Testing During Special Conditions

    Testing for malaria using the Malarial Antigen (Rapid) test may require special considerations in certain conditions. These include:

    • Pregnancy: Pregnant women are more vulnerable to severe malaria and early detection will prevent complications like miscarriage or low birth weight.

    • Children: Young children are at higher risk for severe malaria.

    • Immunocompromised individuals: People with weakened immune systems, such as those with HIV/AIDS or undergoing chemotherapy, may require special attention, as their bodies might not show typical malaria symptoms.

    • Travellers: Individuals who travelled to malaria-endemic regions with symptoms should be tested, even if the infection seems unlikely.

    • Severe illness: If an individual shows signs of severe malaria, such as confusion, anaemia, or kidney failure, they should take the test.

    • Outbreaks: In malaria outbreaks, widespread testing is recommended to identify infected individuals and prevent further transmission quickly.

    • Rare transmission: In rare cases, malaria can be spread through contact with the blood of an infected person, such as during blood transfusions, organ transplants, or sharing needles and other items used to inject drugs.

    Malarial Antigen (Rapid) Test

    Test NameMalarial Antigen (Rapid) Test
    PriceThe Malarial Antigen (Rapid) Test price is ₹ 650.
    Also Known AsMalarial Falciparum & Vivax Antigen test, Malarial Parasite Rapid test
    PurposeTo measure Presence of Malarial Parasite in blood .
    Pre-test InformationFasting is not required for a Malarial Antigen (Rapid) Test
    Report DeliveryGet reports within 6 hours.
    FrequencyAs prescribed by your doctor.
    Home TestingYes, home blood sample collection in 60 minutes from booking.
    Sample RequiredA blood sample is required for a Malarial Antigen (Rapid) Test

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