Lab test · Infection
Malaria Parasite (MP) Blood Film
Malaria detection
- Blood sample
- No fasting
- Report within 24 hours
- Home collection
What this test is for
Malaria detection
This test looks for malaria parasites in a drop of your blood that is spread on a glass slide, stained and examined under a microscope. It can show which type of malaria parasite is present and roughly how many there are, which helps a doctor choose treatment. In Bangladesh, malaria is found mainly in the hill districts of the south-east and some border areas, so recent travel is an important part of the history.
Why a doctor may order it
- To look for malaria when you have fever with chills, shivering and sweating
- When a fever starts after living in or travelling to a malaria area, in Bangladesh or abroad
- When a rapid malaria test is positive or unclear and the parasite type needs confirming
- To check that the parasites are clearing during treatment
How to prepare
Fasting: Not needed.
No fasting or special preparation is needed. There is no need to wait for a fever spike; the sample can be taken as soon as malaria is suspected. Tell your doctor if you have recently taken any malaria medicine, as it can make parasites harder to find.
At home
- Sample
- Blood sample
- How it works
- A small blood sample is taken from a vein in your arm by the collector who comes to your home, which takes a few minutes. The laboratory then prepares thick and thin blood films from this sample for examination.
- Report
- Within 24 hours of collection.
What the results can mean
The report states whether malaria parasites were seen and, if so, which type, such as Plasmodium falciparum or Plasmodium vivax, and sometimes how many. A positive result confirms malaria and needs prompt treatment, as falciparum malaria can become severe quickly. A single negative film does not always rule out malaria, and your doctor may ask for the test to be repeated if the fever continues. Your doctor will read the result together with your symptoms and travel history.
What's included
One test: Malaria Parasite (MP) Blood Film, from one blood sample.
Related tests
- Malaria Antigen Rapid Test (Malaria ICT)Malaria detection৳350
- Complete Blood Count (CBC)A complete blood count looks at the three main types of cells in your blood: red blood cells, which carry oxygen; white blood cells, which fight infection; and platelets, which help blood to clot.
- Dengue NS1 AntigenThe dengue NS1 test looks for NS1, a protein made by the dengue virus, in the blood.
- Peripheral Blood Film (PBF)In a peripheral blood film, a drop of your blood is spread thinly on a glass slide, stained and examined under a microscope.
- Platelet CountPlatelets are tiny cell fragments in the blood that help it clot and stop bleeding.
- Dengue IgM and IgG AntibodiesDengue infection (current or past)৳250
Questions people ask
What is the difference between a malaria blood film and a rapid test?
A rapid test detects malaria proteins and gives a quick answer. The blood film lets a trained person see the parasites directly, confirm the type and estimate how many there are. Doctors often use both.
Can the test be negative even if I have malaria?
Yes, especially early in the illness or after some treatment, when parasites can be few. If malaria is still suspected, your doctor may repeat the test.
Do I need a malaria test if I have not travelled outside Dhaka?
Malaria is uncommon in Dhaka city itself. Your doctor will ask about recent travel to hill, forest or border areas when deciding whether to test for malaria or for other causes of fever, such as dengue or typhoid.
When should I get urgent help for malaria?
Seek urgent medical help for confusion, drowsiness, fits, difficulty breathing, dark urine, yellow eyes or being unable to keep fluids down. These can be signs of severe malaria.
How much does a MP test test cost in Dhaka?
With Mukti Health the price is ৳190, and the sample is collected at your home in Dhaka. You see the price again before you confirm the booking in the Mukti Health app.
Can I do the MP test test at home in Dhaka?
Yes. Book it in the Mukti Health app and a trained sample collector comes to your home in Dhaka to take the blood sample. You do not need to go to a laboratory.
How long does the MP test report take?
The report is usually ready within 24 hours of the sample being collected.