Peripheral Smear for Malaria

Peripheral smear for malaria is done to detect the presence of malarial parasites in the blood. Malaria is an infectious disease that is caused by species of the Plasmodium parasite. This test is usually done to diagnose malaria and to monitor the treatment of malaria.

This is the most simple and accurate test for studying malarial parasites. It is a microscopic test where the peripheral blood smear provides comprehensive information on the species, stages, and density of parasitemia. Usually, thick smears help in detecting the presence of parasites while thin smears help to detect the different species of parasites.

Malaria can often be prevented by the use of protection measures against mosquitoes bites which includes use of mosquito repellants, spraying insecticides and wearing long-sleeved clothes.