Clinical diagnosis

BFMP

PCR

RDT

Principle of method

Based on presenting signs and symptoms

Visualisation of thick and thin blood smear under light microscope

Specific amplification of malaria DNA

Detection of parasite antigens or enzymes

Detection limit (parasites/µl)

Undetermined

5 - 10 (expert)

>50 (routinely)

≥1

50 - 100

Sensitivity and specificity

Depends on malarial endemicity

Depends on technique, reagent and lab technician’s skill

Excellent

Moderate if >100 parasite/µl

Time consumed (min)

Depends on physician

30 - 60

45 - 360 (depends on methods)

10 - 15

Expertise required

High

High

High

Low

Instrument cost

-

Low

High

Moderate

Other considerations

- Need considerable expertise

- Mixed infection and low parasitaemia might cause misdiagnosis

- Useful for quantifying at low parasitaemia

- Useful in indentifying drug resistance

- Unable to differentiate between P. vivax, P. ovale and P. malariae

- Unable to quantify parasites