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Description
Malaria rapid diagnostic tests, sometimes called ��dipsticks�� or ��malaria rapid diagnostic devices�� (MRDDs), detect specific antigens (proteins) produced by malaria parasites. These antigens are present in the blood of infected or recently infected people. The RDT signifies their presence by a colour change on an absorbing nitrocellulose strip. Some RDTs can detect only one species (Plasmodium falciparum), usually by detecting either histidine-rich protein-2 (HRP2) or parasite-specific lactate dehydrogenase (pLDH). Some detect one or more of the other three species of malaria parasite which infect humans, by detecting various other antigens.