Self-testing for falciparum malaria with antigen-capture cards by travelers with symptoms of malaria. |
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Authors: | Armstrong" target="_blank">M Whitty CJMArmstrong R H Behrens |
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Institution: | Hospital for Tropical Diseases, Mortimer Market Centre, London, United Kingdom. |
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Abstract: | Kits for self-diagnosis of malaria by travelers in remote areas have been advocated. Antigen-capture test cards work reliably in the laboratory, but there is limited data regarding self-testing by ill patients. One hundred and fifty-three symptomatic patients presenting for a malaria test attempted self-diagnosis using these kits. Nine percent failed to perform a valid test. Against blood-film proven malaria, specificity was 97% (95% confidence intervals CI] 93-99%) and sensitivity 95% (95% CI 74-99%). Although these results are encouraging, technical problems need to be addressed and test sensitivity proven by additional field-testing before this technology can be marketed to travelers. |
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