Haemozoin detection in infected erythrocytes for Plasmodium falciparum malaria diagnosis-Prospects and limitations

► Diagnosis of malaria based on haemozoin detection was assessed by flow cytometry. ► Reliable detection of immature Plasmodium falciparum parasites could not be achieved. ► Detection of haemozoin is not ideal for the diagnosis of P. falciparum malaria. ► P. falciparum maturation can be detected after 24 h of incubation.