Use of rapid diagnostic tests for diagnosis of malaria in the UK.
BACKGROUND
Malaria is currently diagnosed almost exclusively by microscopy in clinical laboratories. The introduction of rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs) may be useful in achieving rapid detection of malaria parasites, especially in situations where malaria is not often seen or where staff are inexperienced.


OBJECTIVE
To explore the use of RDT in UK laboratories.


METHODS
The current use of RDTs was surveyed in UK laboratories subscribing to the United Kingdom National External Quality Assessment Scheme blood parasitology and haematology schemes.


RESULTS
An overall survey response rate of 60.3% was seen. RDTs were found to be the preferred choice, either alone or in conjunction with microscopy in 31.2% of the samples examined during normal working hours and in 44.3% of the specimens examined on call.


CONCLUSIONS
During on-call hours, the use of RDTs was observed to increase and RDTs changed the diagnosis in 12% of laboratories. No established protocol for RDT use was, however, observed in the UK. A protocol that needs to be validated in the laboratory setting is suggested.
Chilton
D
D
Department of Clinical Parasitology, Hospital for Tropical Diseases, London, UK. peter.chiodini@uclh.org
Malik
A N J
AN
Armstrong
M
M
Kettelhut
M
M
Parker-Williams
J
J
Chiodini
P L
PL
D039602:After-Hours Care / Q000592:standards / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D002985:Clinical Protocols; D006801:Humans; D007753:Laboratories / Q000592:standards / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D008288:Malaria / Q000175:diagnosis*; D008853:Microscopy; D010274:Parasitology / Q000379:methods / Q000592:standards; D011785:Quality Assurance, Health Care; D011933:Reagent Kits, Diagnostic / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D006113:United Kingdom
D011933:Reagent Kits, Diagnostic