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WHO Use Malaria Rapid - Diagnostic Test 2004
WHO Use Malaria Rapid - Diagnostic Test 2004
Malaria
Rapid
Diagnostic
Tests
Malaria
Rapid
Diagnostic
Tests
WHO Library Cataloguing in Publication Data
The use of malaria rapid diagnostic tests.
1. Malaria — diagnosis. 2. Diagnostic techniques and procedures.
ISBN 92 9061 088 3 (NLM Classification: WC 750)
© World Health Organization 2004
All rights reserved.
The designations employed and the presentation of the material in this publication do not imply the
expression of any opinion whatsoever on the part of the World Health Organization concerning the legal
status of any country, territory, city or area or of its authorities, or concerning the delimitation of the frontiers
or boundaries. Dotted lines on maps represent approximate border lines for which there may not yet be
full agreement.
The mention of specific companies or of certain manufacturers’ products does not imply that they are
endorsed or recommended by the World Health Organization in preference to others of a similar nature that
are not mentioned. Errors and omissions excepted, the names of proprietary products are distinguished by
initial capital letters.
The World Health Organization does not warrant that the information contained in this publication is complete
and correct and shall not be liable for any damages incurred as a result of its use.
Publications of the World Health Organization can be obtained from Marketing and Dissemination, World
Health Organization, 20 Avenue Appia, 1211 Geneva 27, Switzerland (tel: +41 22 791 2476; fax: +41 22 791 4857;
email: bookorders@who.int). Requests for permission to reproduce WHO publications, in part or in whole, or to
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Organization, Regional Office for the Western Pacific, P.O. Box 2932, 1000 Manila, Philippines (fax: +63 2 521
1036; email: publications@wpro.who.int).
C O N T E N T S
the test (e.g. cassette, dipstick, In humid tropical conditions, it is strongly recommended that RDTs be
card) individually packaged in moisture-proof envelopes. Ease of use (e.g.
number of preparation steps, blood transfer method, and need for accurate
• requirement for post-treatment
timing) will influence test accuracy, and influence the extent of training and
testing of patients supervision required.
• cost (including transport, training,
and quality control) Longer shelf lives reduce the pressure on the supply chain and the
• sensitivity probability of wastage of expired tests; a minimum of 18 months (e.g. at
least 15 after purchase) is recommended in remote, poorly resourced areas.
Retail prices of RDTs generally vary with the size of the order, and the
Malaria RDT products and location. RDTs detecting P. falciparum generally range upward from
manufacturers approximately US$0.65 per test. RDTs detecting all species range upward
At present WHO does not certify or from approximately US$1.00. Prices should be checked with individual
otherwise recommend any specific manufacturers.
malaria RDT brand or product, but
supports the use of RDTs in the Tendering and the availability of product information
management of malaria following the Together with considerations of the sensitivity, species of parasite detected,
guidelines outlined in this document. and cost of a product, it is useful to know the quality of manufacturing
For a list of major manufacturers and processes and the stability of a manufacturer. The long-term viability of a
distributors known to WHO, contact company and consistency of production will influence the ability to
mal-rdt@wpro.who.int