What should you know about malaria in microscope?

A blood sample is spread into thin and thick films, stained, and viewed by trained laboratory staff. They look for parasites inside red blood cells, and may be able to identify the malaria type and estimate how much of the blood is affected. A negative first examination does not always exclude malaria, especially when parasites are present in small numbers or symptoms are early. Your clinician may arrange repeat samples or another laboratory test if fever continues after travel or exposure.

Malaria can cause fever, chills and muscle aches, but these symptoms can have other causes. The result must be interpreted alongside your travel history, timing of symptoms and examination.

Tell the clinician where you have travelled, when you returned, whether you used preventive medicine, and every medicine you take. If parasites are found, treatment should begin promptly and be selected for the parasite type, illness severity and relevant health conditions. Do not self-treat with leftover medicines. A follow-up blood test may be used to check that parasites are clearing.

Seek urgent medical assessment for fever during or after travel to a malaria area, particularly with confusion, fainting, breathing difficulty, repeated vomiting, severe weakness or yellowing of the skin. Malaria can worsen quickly, so do not wait for a later appointment if you feel seriously unwell. A clinician may request a Blood Test even when an earlier result was normal.

Ask which malaria test was used, whether another sample is needed, what parasite type was found, and which warning signs should prompt immediate review.