Rapid diagnostic tests for imported malaria

Rapid diagnostic tests are most useful for the prompt detection of malaria caused by P. falciparum, a species most likely to cause complications and death. Several rapid diagnostic tests are licensed in Canada and have different performance characteristics. 3 Most have high sensitivity (>= 99%) compared with PCR for P. falciparum when parasitemia levels are high (>= 0.02% or >= 1000 parasites/mu L). Their sensitivity is lower (>= 75%) when parasitemia levels are 0.002% or less (>= 100 parasites/mu L). 1 Interpreting a negative result in children under age five and pregnant women requires caution, because they are more likely to have low levels of parasitemia and are at greatest risk for severe disease.