Lab test · Infection
Malaria Antigen Rapid Test (Malaria ICT)
Malaria detection
- Blood sample
- No fasting
- Report the same day
- Home collection
What this test is for
Malaria detection
This rapid test looks for proteins (antigens) made by malaria parasites in the blood. Most tests can identify Plasmodium falciparum, the type that causes the most serious illness, and also detect other types such as Plasmodium vivax. A quick result helps your doctor decide on treatment without delay, and it is often used alongside a blood film examined under the microscope.
Why a doctor may order it
- Fever, chills and sweating after living in or travelling to a malaria area
- Recent travel to the hill and border districts of Bangladesh where malaria occurs
- A fever with no clear cause, to rule malaria in or out
- To help tell malaria apart from dengue or typhoid
How to prepare
Fasting: Not needed.
No preparation is needed and you can eat and drink normally. Tell your doctor about any recent travel, including dates and places, and whether you have taken any antimalarial medicine.
At home
- Sample
- Blood sample
- How it works
- The collector takes a small blood sample, usually from a vein in your arm. It is quick and is labelled and sent for testing straight away.
- Report
- The same day.
What the results can mean
A positive result means malaria antigens were found, and the report often says which type of parasite is likely. A negative result makes malaria less likely but does not fully rule it out, particularly when parasite numbers are low, so your doctor may repeat the test or ask for a blood film. Some antigens stay in the blood for weeks after treatment, so this test is not used to check a cure. Your doctor will interpret the result with your symptoms and travel history.
What's included
One test: Malaria Antigen Rapid Test (Malaria ICT), from one blood sample.
Related tests
- Malaria Parasite (MP) Blood FilmThis test looks for malaria parasites in a drop of your blood that is spread on a glass slide, stained and examined under a microscope.
- 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.
- 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
- Kala-azar Test (rK39 Rapid Antibody Test)Kala-azar detection৳590
Questions people ask
What is the difference between a malaria rapid test and a blood film?
A blood film is examined under a microscope and can count the parasites, which helps judge severity and follow treatment. The rapid test is quicker and easier but does not count parasites.
Can a malaria test stay positive after treatment?
Yes. Some rapid tests detect a parasite protein that can remain in the blood for weeks after successful treatment, so a positive result soon after treatment does not always mean the infection is still active.
Is malaria common in Dhaka?
Malaria is mainly found in the hill and border districts of Bangladesh rather than in Dhaka city, which is why doctors ask about recent travel.
How much does a Malaria rapid test test cost in Dhaka?
With Mukti Health the price is ৳350, 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 Malaria rapid 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 Malaria rapid test report take?
The report is usually ready the same day the sample is collected.