Table 4.

Attributes of molecular assays for diagnosis of malaria

Advantages

Excellent sensitivity (0.01–1/μL depending on method and expertise)

Earlier detection of new infections (up to four days before blood smears)

Quantification across a wide range of parasite densities

Species identification

Potential for strain identification to distinguish new and recrudescent infections

Samples can be batched for high throughput

Disadvantages

Can be time consuming

Expensive

Extensive training required

Mixed infections require more elaborate assay designs and can undermine some assays

Standardization is complicated (across multiple sites, various assay platforms)

Requires provisions to avoid cross-contamination of samples