Reducing malaria misdiagnosis: the importance of correctly interpreting Paracheck Pf® faint test bands in a low transmission area of Tanzania

摘要

BackgroundAlthough malaria rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs) have been extensively evaluated since their introduction in the early 1990's, sensitivity and specificity vary widely limiting successful integration into clinical practice. This paper reviews specific issues surrounding RDT use in field settings and presents results of research investigating how to interpret "faint test bands" on ParaCheck Pf^® in areas of low transmission in order to reduce malaria misdiagnosis.