QUESTION When malaria is dormant in the body can it be detected in a blood test? ANSWER Not directly, no. A normal malaria blood test consists of a thick or thin smear, which is often stained and then looked at under a microscope; with these tests, you would not be able to see any sign of the malaria which is lying dormant in the liver. However, there is another type of blood test, known … [Read more...]
Empty Stomach for Malaria Test?
QUESTION Do we have to go empty stomach for test of malaria? ANSWER No - for a malaria test, they will take your blood and either look at it under the microscope or use it in a rapid diagnostic test (RDT) for malaria. Neither of these tests will be affected by whether you eat or not. … [Read more...]
Headaches, Sweats, Nausea, Fatigue
QUESTION Since visiting Gambia I have been off food, suffering from headaches, sweats, nausea, tiredness and diarrhea after every meal, when I can eat that is. Do you think I should go to the doctor for a test for malaria? ANSWER Yes—whenever you have symptoms that include fever and sweats after visiting an area of high malaria transmission, it is always worthwhile getting a malaria … [Read more...]