Apollo Diagnostics | NABL-Certified Lab | No Fasting Required | Priority Home Collection During Fever
What is a Malaria Antigen Test?
The Malaria Antigen Test, also known as a Malaria Rapid Diagnostic Test (RDT), is a fast and reliable way to detect active malaria infection. Unlike the traditional smear which requires manual microscopic examination, this test identifies specific proteins (antigens) released by the Plasmodium parasite directly into your bloodstream. The Malaria Antigen test is particularly valuable in acute fever cases because it provides results quickly — allowing for immediate medical decision-making and treatment initiation without delay.
⚠ Important: Get tested as soon as the first symptoms of fever appear — early testing gives the most accurate result. No fasting is required. The antigen test confirms the presence of malaria but does not quantify parasite load. A positive antigen test should always be followed by an MP Smear to determine species and severity.
Malaria in Kolkata — Seasonal Risk
Kolkata sees malaria cases year-round but with significant peaks during and after the monsoon season (July–October) when Anopheles mosquito breeding in stagnant water is at its highest. Dense urban localities with poor drainage — including areas across Central Kolkata, South Dum Dum and North Kolkata — are at elevated risk. Both Plasmodium vivax and Plasmodium falciparum are endemic in West Bengal.
What the Malaria Antigen Test Screens For
Our antigen panel specifically screens for the two most common and clinically important malaria species:
- Plasmodium falciparum (Pf) — the most dangerous species, responsible for cerebral malaria, organ failure and most malaria deaths. Detected via HRP-2 (Histidine-Rich Protein 2) antigen.
- Plasmodium vivax (Pv) — the most common species in India. While rarely fatal, it can cause recurrent relapses due to dormant liver stages (hypnozoites). Detected via pLDH (Plasmodium Lactate Dehydrogenase) antigen.
Malaria Antigen Test vs MP Smear — Key Differences
When to use Antigen Test vs Smear:
- Malaria Antigen Test (RDT) — rapid screening. Results in 15–20 minutes. Confirms presence of malaria and identifies species (Pf vs Pv). Does not quantify parasite density. Best for initial diagnosis.
- MP Smear (Peripheral Blood Smear) — microscopic examination. Identifies species, counts parasites per field (parasite density) and detects mixed infections. Required after a positive RDT to assess severity and guide treatment dosage.
- Best practice — Order Antigen Test for rapid initial screening. If positive, follow up with MP Smear for species confirmation and parasite density. Both are available with home collection at Apollo Diagnostics.
Symptoms That Should Prompt Malaria Testing
Get tested immediately if you experience:
- Cyclical fever with chills and rigors (shaking) — the classic malaria pattern
- Sudden high fever above 38.5°C / 101°F
- Profuse sweating after fever breaks
- Severe headache and body ache
- Nausea, vomiting or diarrhea
- Fatigue and weakness
- Pale skin or yellowing of eyes (jaundice in severe falciparum malaria)
- Return from a malaria-endemic area with unexplained fever
Warning Signs of Severe Falciparum Malaria — Seek Emergency Care
The following indicate severe malaria requiring immediate hospitalisation:
- Confusion, seizures or loss of consciousness (cerebral malaria)
- Difficulty breathing
- Severe anaemia (pale skin, rapid pulse)
- Dark or reduced urine output
- Repeated vomiting preventing oral medication
Malaria Antigen Test Price in Kolkata
Malaria Antigen Test Price: ₹850
No fasting required | Test as early as possible | Free home collection above ₹2,000
No fasting required | Test as early as possible | Free home collection above ₹2,000
Tests Commonly Ordered Alongside Malaria Antigen
- MP Smear (Peripheral Blood Smear) — follows a positive antigen test to confirm species and measure parasite density
- CBC (Complete Blood Count) — malaria causes anaemia and thrombocytopenia (low platelets); CBC monitors these complications
- Dengue NS1 + IgM/IgG — dengue and malaria have overlapping symptoms and both peak in monsoon; often tested together
- Widal Test — typhoid is ruled out alongside malaria in undifferentiated fever
- LFT (Liver Function Test) — falciparum malaria can cause liver involvement with elevated bilirubin and jaundice
- Blood Sugar (FBS) — hypoglycemia is a complication of severe falciparum malaria and some antimalarial medications
Home Collection for Malaria Antigen Test in Kolkata
Apollo Diagnostics provides priority home blood sample collection for Malaria Antigen tests across North and Central Kolkata. Since malarial patients are febrile and often severely unwell, home collection avoids the physical strain of travelling to a lab. Our phlebotomists arrive promptly at your doorstep with sterile equipment for safe sample collection.
- Home collection available: 7:00 AM – 2:30 PM Daily
- No fasting required — test any time of day
- Priority collection for febrile patients
- Free home collection on orders above ₹2,000
- Digital reports delivered to WhatsApp within a few hours
Quick Links
→ Apollo Diagnostics Nagerbazar → Full List of Individual Tests → Book Home Collection → Full Body Checkup Packages
→ Apollo Diagnostics Nagerbazar → Full List of Individual Tests → Book Home Collection → Full Body Checkup Packages
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. What is the Malaria Antigen test used for?
The Malaria Antigen test (RDT) detects proteins released by Plasmodium parasites in the blood. It rapidly confirms active malaria infection and identifies the species — Plasmodium falciparum (most dangerous) or Plasmodium vivax (most common in India). It is used for rapid screening in acute fever cases to enable immediate treatment decisions.
Q2. What is the difference between Malaria Antigen test and MP Smear?
The Malaria Antigen test (RDT) gives a rapid yes/no answer and identifies species but cannot measure parasite density. The MP Smear (Peripheral Blood Smear) is a microscopic examination that confirms species, counts parasites per field and detects mixed infections. A positive antigen test should always be followed by an MP Smear to assess severity and guide treatment dosage.
Q3. Does the Malaria Antigen test require fasting?
No. The Malaria Antigen test does not require fasting. The blood sample can be taken at any time of day. Get tested as soon as fever symptoms appear for the most accurate result.
Q4. What is the Malaria Antigen test price at Apollo Diagnostics Kolkata?
The Malaria Antigen test price at Apollo Diagnostics is ₹850. No fasting required. Home collection is available free on orders above ₹2,000.
Q5. What is the difference between P. falciparum and P. vivax malaria?
Plasmodium falciparum is the most dangerous malaria species and is responsible for most malaria deaths. It can cause cerebral malaria, severe anaemia, organ failure and rapid deterioration. Plasmodium vivax is the most common species in India and rarely fatal but it forms dormant liver stages (hypnozoites) that can cause relapses months or years later. Both species are present in West Bengal and are identified by the antigen test.
Q6. Can the Malaria Antigen test be negative even if I have malaria?
Yes. False negatives can occur in the early stage of infection when parasite density is very low, in mixed infections with rare species not covered by the panel, and in cases of HRP-2 gene deletion in some P. falciparum strains. If malaria is clinically suspected despite a negative RDT, request an MP Smear for microscopic examination which is more sensitive at low parasite densities.
Q7. Should I test for both Malaria and Dengue at the same time?
Yes. Malaria and dengue share very similar symptoms — sudden high fever, headache, body ache, nausea and fatigue — and both peak during the monsoon season in Kolkata. Co-infection (both simultaneously) is also possible. It is advisable to test for both together when presenting with acute undifferentiated fever during monsoon months. Apollo Diagnostics can collect samples for both tests in a single home visit.
Q8. Is home collection available for Malaria Antigen test in Kolkata?
Yes. Apollo Diagnostics provides priority home blood sample collection for Malaria Antigen tests across Dum Dum, South Dum Dum, Nagerbazar, Satgachi, Baguiati, Lake Town, Bangur, Kaikhali, Sealdah, Entally, Phoolbagan, Tangra and surrounding areas. Book by calling or WhatsApping +91 8660434628.
Q9. How long does it take to get Malaria Antigen test results?
Malaria Antigen test results are typically available within a few hours of sample collection. Reports are delivered digitally to your WhatsApp or email for immediate sharing with your doctor.
Q10. Which centre processes my Malaria Antigen sample in Kolkata?
All samples collected across North and Central Kolkata are processed at Apollo Diagnostics Nagerbazar — Nandarani Apartment, 8A Narasingha Avenue, Nagerbazar, Dum Dum, Kolkata 700074. Our lab is NABL-certified and ISO-certified.
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