The malaria rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs)
A researcher at the Nigerian Institute of Medical Research (NIMR) has confirmed, through its Mind the Gap Project, that the malaria rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs) used in primary health Centres (PHCs) in Epe Local Government Area are reliable.
The research titled, ‘Assessment of Point-of-care Malaria Testing Accuracy and Treatment-Seeking Behaviours in Primary Health Centres in Epe LGA,’ was conducted by Dr Tolulope Akinkunmi, a NIMR Research Fellow and MTG Project Fellow.
It analysed how accurately RDTs detect malaria and examined residents’ responses when experiencing malaria-related symptoms.
Akinkunmi, while presenting the research findings to the NIMR, stated that the RDTs have a sensitivity of 92.5% sensitivity and a specificity of 88.5% when measured against microscopy.
In addition, the research revealed the gaps in the application of the RDTs, which can reduce test accuracy, including limited refresher training, inconsistent storage conditions, and reporting lapses.
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