Malaria (P. Falciparum) Quantitative Test
Short Name: P. falciparum Quantitative PCR
Also known as: P. falciparum PCR, Malaria quantitative PCR, Pf qPCR
Malaria (P. Falciparum) Quantitative Test test available at DNA Labs India for ₹6,000. Uses Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) on Whole Blood (EDTA) or Dried Blood Spot samples. Results in Reports are available on the 3rd working day. Email delivery within 36 hours, phone consultation within 24 hours.. Free home collection in 300+ cities across India.
🩺 Medically Reviewed By
Dr Kothari Ramesh Shantilal
Consultant Microbiologist · Reg: 27670
Last reviewed: September 7, 2026
Overview
The purpose of the Malaria (P. Falciparum) Quantitative Test is to detect and measure the parasite load of Plasmodium falciparum in the blood. This aids in: 1) Confirming the diagnosis of malaria, especially in cases with low parasitemia that may be missed by microscopy. 2) Quantifying the severity of infection, which helps in prognostic assessment. 3) Monitoring the efficacy of antimalarial treatment by tracking the decline in parasite DNA. 4) Differentiating P. falciparum from other Plasmodium species, as treatment protocols differ. 5) Supporting epidemiological studies and outbreak investigations.
- Test Code
- 6185
- CPT Code
- 87899
- ICD Code
- B50.9
- Price
- ₹6,000
- Sample Type
- Whole Blood (EDTA) or Dried Blood Spot
- Result Time
- Reports are available on the 3rd working day. Email delivery within 36 hours, phone consultation within 24 hours.
- Fasting Required
- No
- Method
- Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR)
Sample Collection
No special preparation is required. However, patients must sign a consent document and provide relevant clinical history. Inform your doctor about any antimalarial medications you are taking.
Method: Venipuncture or fingerstick for dried spot
Laboratory Analysis
A blood sample will be drawn from a vein in your arm. For dried blood spot, a fingerstick will be performed. The procedure is quick and minimally invasive.
Report Delivery
You can resume normal activities immediately. The sample will be sent to the laboratory for analysis. Results will be available within 3 working days.
Timeline: Reports are available on the 3rd working day. Email delivery within 36 hours, phone consultation within 24 hours.
Patient Instructions
About This Test
Who Should Get This Test
The purpose of the Malaria (P. Falciparum) Quantitative Test is to detect and measure the parasite load of Plasmodium falciparum in the blood. This aids in: 1) Confirming the diagnosis of malaria, especially in cases with low parasitemia that may be missed by microscopy. 2) Quantifying the severity of infection, which helps in prognostic assessment. 3) Monitoring the efficacy of antimalarial treatment by tracking the decline in parasite DNA. 4) Differentiating P. falciparum from other Plasmodium species, as treatment protocols differ. 5) Supporting epidemiological studies and outbreak investigations.
How to Prepare
- Use EDTA vacutainer for whole blood collection.
- For dried blood spot, use Whatman 903 or equivalent filter paper.
- Label the sample with patient ID and collection date/time.
- Transport samples to the lab at 2-8°C if whole blood, or at room temperature if dried spot.
- Avoid hemolysis and clotting.
Doctor's Notes
Reviewed by Dr Kothari Ramesh Shantilal — MBBS, MD (Microbiology) · Reg. No. 27670
"Quantitative PCR for P. falciparum is essential for assessing parasitemia and monitoring treatment response, especially in severe malaria cases. Early and accurate quantification can guide therapy and reduce mortality."
Last medically reviewed: September 7, 2026
Test Parameters & Specifications
Sample Stability
- Clotted or hemolyzed sample.
- Insufficient sample volume.
- Improper labeling or missing consent form.
- Sample received after prolonged storage (>7 days) without proper preservation.
Understanding Your Results
No P. falciparum DNA detected
No evidence of current P. falciparum infection. However, if symptoms persist, consider other causes or repeat testing.
2-100 copies/µL
Indicates early or low-level infection. May require treatment and close monitoring.
101-1000 copies/µL
Active infection with moderate parasite load. Likely symptomatic; treatment should be initiated promptly.
>1000 copies/µL
Severe infection with high parasite burden. Risk of complications; urgent medical intervention required.
Consult a physician immediately if you experience fever, chills, headache, and muscle pain, especially after traveling to malaria-endemic areas. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial to prevent severe complications.
Limitations
- ⚠Test detects only P. falciparum, not other Plasmodium species.
- ⚠Quantification may not directly correlate with viable parasites; DNA can persist after parasite clearance.
- ⚠Results should be interpreted in conjunction with clinical findings and other laboratory tests.
- ⚠Not suitable for routine screening in asymptomatic individuals in low-risk areas.
Risks & Considerations
- ●Minimal risk of bruising or bleeding at the puncture site.
- ●Rare risk of infection or hematoma.
- ●Fainting or dizziness during blood draw.
Interfering Factors
- ●Inadequate sample volume or improper storage may affect DNA integrity.
- ●Presence of PCR inhibitors (e.g., heparin, hemoglobin) in the sample.
- ●Cross-contamination during sample processing.
- ●Recent antimalarial treatment may reduce parasite DNA below detectable levels.
- ●Dried blood spots may have lower sensitivity if not stored properly.
Compare With Similar Tests
| Test | Malaria (P. Falciparum) Quantitative Test | Rapid Diagnostic Test (RDT) | Peripheral Blood Smear (Microscopy) | Malaria Antigen Test (pLDH/HRP2) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Comparison | Malaria (P. Falciparum) Quantitative Test | RDT detects malaria antigens and provides results in 15-20 minutes. It is less sensitive than PCR, especially at low parasitemia, and cannot quantify the parasite load. | Microscopy is the gold standard for malaria diagnosis, allowing species identification and parasite count. However, it requires skilled personnel and may miss low-level infections. | Detects specific antigens and can differentiate species. It is rapid but may remain positive after treatment due to antigen persistence. |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of the Malaria (P. Falciparum) Quantitative Test?
What sample is required for this test?
Do I need to fast before the test?
How long does it take to get the results?
Is home sample collection available?
What is the difference between this test and a rapid malaria test?
Can this test detect other malaria species?
Is the test covered by insurance?
What should I do if my result is positive?
Are there any risks associated with the blood draw?
Can I take antimalarial medication before the test?
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