PRINCIPLE

The Malaria Rapid Test is a lateral flow chromatographic immunoassay. The test cassette consists of: 1) a burgundy colored conjugate pad containing mouse anti-pHRP-II antibody conjugated with colloid gold (pHRP II-gold conjugates) and mouse anti-pLDH antibody conjugated with colloid gold (pLDH-gold conjugates), 2) a nitrocellulose membrane strip containing two test bands (T1 and T2 bands) and a control band (C band). The T1 band is pre-coated with monoclonal anti-pLDH antibody by which the infection with any of the four species of plasmodia can be detected, the T2 band is pre-coated with polyclonal anti-pHRP-II antibodies for the detection of Pf infection, and the C band is coated with goat, anti-mouse IgG.

During the assay, an adequate volume of the blood specimen is dispensed into the sample well (S) of the test cassette, a lysis buffer is added to the buffer well (B). The buffer contains a detergent that lyses the red blood cells and releases various plasmodium antigens, which migrate by capillary action across the strip held in the cassette.

pHRP-II if presents in the specimen will bind to the pHRP II-gold conjugates. The immunocomplex is then captured on the membrane by the pre-coated anti-pHRP-II antibodies, forming a burgundy colored T2 band, indicating a Pf positive test result.

pLDH if presents in the specimen will bind to the pLDH gold conjugates. The immunocomplex is then captured on the membrane by the pre-coated anti pLDH antibody, forming a burgundy colored T1 band, indicating a plasmodium positive test result. In the absence of T2 band, a positive test result for any of the other three plasmodia can be recommended.

Absence of any T bands(T1 and T2) suggests a negative result. The test contains an internal control (C band) which should exhibit a burgundy colored band of the immunocomplex of goat anti-mouse IgG/mouse IgG (pHRP-II and pLDH-gold conjugates) regardless of the color development on any of the T bands. Otherwise, the test result is invalid and the specimen must be retested with another device.

STORAGE

Store the test kits at room temperature 4- 30 degrees C. The sealed pouch has a self life of 24 months.of transmitting disease.

WARNING AND PRECAUTIONS

1.For in-vitro diagnostic use only

2.All patient samples should be treated as if capable of transmitting disease.

3.Do not interchange reagents from different lots. Do not use it beyond expiration date.

REAGENTS AND MATERIALS PROVIDED

1.One pouch sealed with desiccant

2.Blood diluent buffer in a dropper bottle

3.One package insert

MATERIALS REQUIRED BUT NOT PROVIDED

1.  Clock or Timer

2.  Lancing device for whole blood test

SAMPLE COLLECTION AND PREPARATION

Whole Blood

Drops of whole blood can be obtained by either finger tip puncture or veinpuncture. Do not use any hemolized blood for testing.

Whole blood specimens should be stored in refrigeration (2°Ċ-8 °Ċ) if not tested immediately. The specimens must be tested within 24 hours of collection.

Test specimens as soon as possible after collecting. Store specimens at 2 to 8 °Ċ if not testedimmediately.

Store specimens at 2 to 8 °Ċ up to 5 days. The specimens should be frozen at -20 °Ċ for longer storage.

Avoid multiple freeze-thaw cycles. Prior to testing, bring frozen specimens to room temperature slowly and mix gently. Specimens containing visible particulate matter should beclarified by centrifugation before testing.

ASSAY PROCEDURE

Step 1:Bring the specimen and test components to room temperature if refrigerated or frozen. Mix the specimen well prior to assay once thawed.

Step 2: When ready to test, open the pouch at the notch and remove device. Place the test device on a clean, flat surface.

Step 3: Be sure to label the device with specimen’s ID number.

Step 4: Apply 5ul whole blood into the sample well.Then add 4 drops of Sample Diluent. After 5min, add 2 drops again.

Step 5: Set up the timer.

Step 6: Results can be read in 30 minutes. Positive results can be visible in as short as 1 minute.

Note: Don’t read result after 30 minutes. To avoid confusion, discard the test device after interpreting the result.

INTERPRETATION OF RESULTS

Negative: If only the C band is present, the absence of any burgundy color in the both T bands (T1 and T2) indicates that no plasmodium antigens are detected. The result is negative.                     

Positive:

Pf positive: In addition to the presence of C band, if only T2 band is developed, the test indicates for the presence of pHRP-II antigen. The result is Pf positive.

Pan positive: In addition to the presence of C band, if only T1 band is developed, the test indicates for the presence of pLDH antigen. The result is either Pv, Pm, or Po positive.

Mixed positive: In addition to the presence of C band, both T1 and T2 bands are developed, the test indicates for the presence of both pHRP-II and pLDH. The result is positive.

Note: Samples with positive results should be confirmed with alternative testing method(s) and clinical findings before a positive determination is made.

Invalid: If no C band is developed, the assay is invalid regardless of any burgundy color in the T bands as indicated below. Repeat the assay with a new device.