erythrocytes of infected individuals. The detection system of P. vivax is based on the presence of P. vivax specific

 

 follow-up testing after day 10 is recommended to

allow seroconversion

Problem: Invalid results

Possible causes Solutions

1. Pinholes/defect in the pouch. The nitrocellulose membrane

has lost its flow properties due to absorbance of moisture

Check the pouch for pinholes and also check the color of the desiccant (silica

gel). A change in color form deep blue to white indicates absorbance of moisture

2. The device is removed from the refrigerator and tested immediately leading to hydration of the sites on the nitrocellulose membrane hence adversely affecting its flow properties

The test pouch should be brought to room temperature before being tested

RAPID TEST FOR MALARIA PAN/PV/PF

(PARAMAX-3®) (DEVICE)

(Courtesy: Tulip Group of Companies) (Various other

diagnostic combinations are also available)

Introduction

Paramax-3 is a rapid self-performing, qualitative, twosite sandwich immunoassay utilizing whole blood for the

detection of P. falciparum specific histidine-rich protein-2

(Pf HRP-2), P. vivax specific pLDH and pan malaria specific

pLDH. The test can be used for the specific detection of P.

falciparum and P. vivax malaria, differentiation of other

malarial species and for the follow-up of antimalarial

therapy.

Summary

Four species of the Plasmodium parasites are responsible

for malaria infections in human viz. P. falciparum, P.

vivax, P. ovale and P. malariae. Of these, P. falciparum

and P. vivax are the most prevalent. Early detection and

differentiation of malaria is of utmost importance due to

incidence of cerebral malaria and drug resistance associated with falciparum malaria and due to the morbidity

648 Concise Book of Medical Laboratory Technology: Methods and Interpretations associated with the other malarial forms. As the course

of treatment is dependent on the species, differentiation

between P. falciparum and P. vivax is of utmost importance

for better patient management and speedy recovery.

In Paramax-3 the detection system for P. falciparum

malaria is based on the detection of P. falciparum

specific histidine-rich protein-2 (Pf HRP-2) which is a

water-soluble protein that is released from parasitised

erythrocytes of infected individuals. The detection system

of P. vivax is based on the presence of P. vivax specific

pLDH. Further the detection of other malarial infections

such as P. ovale and P. malariae is achieved through the

pan malaria specific pLDH. Since pLDH is a product of

viable parasites, the pan band may also be used to monitor

course of effective antimalarial therapy.

Paramax-3 detects the presence of P. falciparum specific

Pf HRP-2, P.vivax specific pLDH and pan specific pLDH

in whole blood specimen and is a sensitive and specific

test for the detection of all malaria species, differentiation

for P. falciparum and P. vivax and monitoring successful

antimalarial therapy.