Laboratory Diagnosis of Malaria

This is a very practical course with the emphasis on the identification of parasites by microscopy using thin and thick blood films. Staining methods will be discussed as well as the effects of EDTA and drugs on parasite morphology. Parasitaemia counts will also be covered in the practicals along with the use of non-blood film methods of diagnosis, such as rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs) and PCR. Practicals will be complimented with relevant lectures on malaria as a disease, laboratory diagnosis and the role of serology and molecular diagnosis.

Staff of the Public Health England (PHE) Malaria Reference Laboratory in the Faculty of Infectious & Tropical Diseases at LSHTM will give instruction on the course. A comprehensive laboratory manual is included and participants will be given, where possible, reference material to take back to their own laboratories.

There is no formal assessment but at the conclusion of the course, a certificate of attendance will be provided.