| 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 |