MP QBC

Malarial parasite QBC test is used to examine the malarial parasites present in the blood of an individual. The test can be used to confirm and grade the severity of malarial infection in the individual. This test helps in planning and monitoring effective treatment for malaria.

What is Malaria QBC test?

Quantitative buffy coat (QBC) is a type of rapid malaria diagnostic test. The blood sample of the individual is added with fluorescent dyes along with other reagents and processed in a centrifuge. Processing the blood sample in a centrifuge separates the blood components and malarial parasites into separate layers based on their weight. The malarial parasites are then visualized with the help of a specialized microscope.

What is Malaria?

Malaria is a mosquito-borne disease and caused by Plasmodium parasites. The disease is transferred from the bite of an infected female Anopheles mosquito. The Plasmodium species that infect humans are Plasmodium vivax, Plasmodium ovale, Plasmodium malariae, Plasmodium falciparum. The average time from the infection to the onset of symptoms of malaria is called the incubation period. The usual incubation period is 7-30 days after the parasite enters into the red blood cells. The malarial parasite multiplies within the red blood cells in 48-72 hours post mosquito bite. The multiplication of the malarial parasites within the red blood cells leads to the rupture of red blood cells and causing the symptoms of malaria.

The common symptoms of malaria are fever with chills, sweating, body pains, headaches, feeling discomfort, nausea and vomiting, diarrhea, anemia, jaundice in some conditions, etc.

The symptoms cannot be seen for at least 7 days after the infection and in some cases even after 14 days of infection. Some malarial parasites like Plasmodium falciparum can cause severe malaria and which may be life-threatening if left untreated and can affect the brain, lungs, and kidneys leading to seizures, confusion, coma, acute respiratory distress, multi-organ failure, and death.

Why this test is performed?

This test may be recommended to you if you experience symptoms like fever and chills, nausea and vomiting, sweating profusely, body pains, muscle aches, headaches, discomfort, diarrhea, anemia, jaundice, etc.

This test may also be recommended if you are already diagnosed with malaria and on treatment, to check the effectiveness of the antimalarial medicines. Your doctor may ask you to undergo this test if you have recently visited a malaria-prone area and started getting a fever.

The normal test results may vary depending on age, health history, medical condition, etc.

If your test results show positive then you may be infected with the malarial parasite.

If your test results show negative then you may not be present with the malarial infection and might require further diagnostic tests to rule out the symptoms,

Please consult your doctor with the test results, your doctor may suggest the relevant treatments and further diagnostic tests if necessary.