Abstract:
The objective of this study was to determine the effectiveness of using an immune
chromatographic test which can detect both species of plasmodium present in Sri Lanka and
to do a cost analysis of the rapid diagnostic test (RDT) as compared to microscopy. In a
developing country such as ours with an already established laboratory network through out
the country, it would be cheaper to use the thick and thin blood film for diagnosis of
malaria, provided there are sufficient trained microscopes and prompt laboratory reporting.
In areas where microscopy in not readily accessible, as there can be a delay in diagnosis and
treatment of cases which contributes to the continuing transmission of disease and the build
up of the infectious reservoir the rapid diagnostic test may be use. Using the band intensity
as an indication of parasites density and clinical severity of disease in the case of P. vivax is
rather limited by its subjective nature
