The malaria antigen test works by detecting antigens in the blood which are released by the parasite. The antigens are usually LDH (lactate dehydrogenase) or HRP2 (Histidine-rich protein 2).
Testing is performed to help diagnose malaria, to monitor for relapses, and to determine drug susceptibility of the parasite causing the infection.
Detection of the malaria antigen in the blood depends on the sensitivity of the test and the parasitaemia (number of parasites) in the blood. If the parasitaemia is high enough it should be possible to detect antigen on the first day of fever.
