New Malaria Ag Pf/Pan Rapid Test provides Differential Diagnosis of Plasmodium falciparum

bioMérieux has further extended its range of rapid tests for infectious diseases with the launch of VIKIA Malaria Ag Pf/Pan. This qualitative immunochromatographic test differentiates between Plasmodium falciparum and other less virulent malarial species, enabling rapid, effective diagnosis and allowing swift initiation of the appropriate treatment.

The VIKIA Malaria Ag Pf/Pan test is an easy-to-use lateral flow assay that enables malarial infections to be detected in whole blood specimens in just 20 minutes, without the need for any additional equipment or specific training. Monoclonal antibodies target the antigens HRP­II, which is specific to P. falciparum (P.f.), and Pan (aldolase), common to all Plasmodium species. Any antigens present in the sample form complexes with specific antibodies coupled to gold particles. These complexes migrate along the membrane to the Pf and/or Pan regions of the test result window by capillary flow, where they are captured by immobilised antibodies. Interpretation of the result is simple; the formation of a red line in one or both test regions indicates a positive test result, with the location of the line(s) differentiating between an infection caused by P. falciparum and other species, or a probable mixed infection. A third (control) band confirms that the test has performed correctly.

Supplied in an economical 25-test pack, VIKIA Malaria Ag Pf/Pan is stable at 2-30°C for up to 24 months.