Department of Biochemistry, Dorevitch Pathology, Heidelberg, Victoria 3084, Australia
Short Communication
Devising a cost-effective method to improve the specificity and sensitivity of malaria detection
Author(s): Sanders Sebastian*
Background: It has always been a challenge to increase the concentration of malaria parasites in blood without compromising on specificity. The conventional thick smear method is a good sensitive tool. But the disadvantage is that a lot of expertise and experience is needed to perform this. A pilot study was undertaken to improvise the Quantitative Buffy Coat (QBC) method so that the advantages of both thick and thin smears could be combined.
Methods: Used QBC capillary tubes were washed off the blood and the dye and thoroughly cleaned and dried. The floats were preserved. Blood samples of ten malaria positive patients collected already in EDTA bottles were drawn onto the washed and dried QBC capillaries. The float was re-inserted and centrifugation done as recommended by the QBC manufacturers. The capillary tubes were broken with the aid of a.. Read More»