Rapid diagnosis of malaria using plasmodium lactate dehydrogenase (OptiMAL) test

We compared the sensitivity and specificity of OptiMAL test and Quantitative Buffy Coat(QBC) method with both thick & thin peripheral blood smear microscopic examination (gold standard) for diagnosing malaria in 103 children aged 1–15 years admitted with clinical suspicion of malaria. Of 103 cases, PBS study was positive in 59 (57.3%) children, QBC was positive in 60 (58.2%) and OptiMAL test was positive in 59 (57.3%) cases. Sensitivity and specificity of OptiMAL test was 100% and 97.8% while sensitivity and specificity of QBC method was 100% and 91.3%, respectively. OptiMAL test is a simple, sensitive and specific test for timely diagnosis of malaria in children.