What is the Malarial Antibodies (Plasmodium falciparum) test?

The Malarial Antibodies (Plasmodium falciparum) blood test detects IgG antibodies produced after exposure to Plasmodium falciparum, the most severe and potentially life-threatening malaria species.

This test indicates past exposure, not active malaria infection. Antibodies may remain detectable for years, particularly in individuals who have lived in or travelled frequently to malaria-endemic regions.

It is used for exposure assessment, screening purposes, and to support clinical history when previous malaria infection is uncertain.

Why do I need a test for Malarial Antibodies (P. falciparum)?

Malaria exposure may not always be documented, especially in people who lived in endemic areas during childhood or had mild illness. Antibody testing helps clarify whether the immune system has previously encountered Plasmodium falciparum.

This test is particularly useful in screening and retrospective exposure assessment.

You may benefit from this test if you:

• Have travelled to malaria-endemic regions

• Lived in Africa, Asia, or South America

• Had unexplained febrile illness abroad

• Need confirmation of past malaria exposure

• Require infectious disease screening

• Are undergoing occupational or immigration health checks

• Have uncertain malaria history

• Need exposure documentation

Benefits of the Malarial Antibodies test

1. Confirms past malaria exposure
   Detects immune response to P. falciparum.

2. Useful when infection history is unclear
   Helps clarify undocumented exposure.

3. Supports screening and clearance requirements
   Relevant for occupational and medical screening.

4. Non-invasive exposure assessment
   Requires only a blood sample.

5. Complements antigen or PCR testing
   Useful when assessing exposure rather than active disease.

6. Relevant for individuals from endemic regions
   Antibodies may persist long-term.

7. Helps distinguish exposure from no exposure
   Useful for clinical history review.

8. Well-established serological test
   Widely used in infectious disease screening.

Step-by-step – how we offer Malarial Antibodies testing

Clinic-based testing (UK-wide)

• Choose your nearest UK clinic

• Attend your appointment

• Blood sample collected by a qualified clinician or phlebotomist

• Sample is sent to the laboratory for analysis

At-home or hotel testing (+£60)

• A qualified phlebotomist visits your home or hotel

• Blood sample collected in a comfortable, familiar setting

• No clinic visit or travel required

Both services are available UK-wide.

Your Malarial Antibodies results explained

Antibodies not detected

A negative result suggests no evidence of previous exposure to Plasmodium falciparum. This makes past infection unlikely, although very remote exposure cannot be fully excluded.

UK reference interpretation:

• Negative: Antibodies not detected

Antibodies detected

A positive result indicates previous exposure to Plasmodium falciparum. This does not indicate active infection and does not confirm immunity to future malaria infection.

Clinical context and travel history are essential.

UK reference interpretation:

• Positive: Antibodies detected

High antibody levels

High antibody levels suggest significant or repeated past exposure, commonly seen in individuals who lived long-term in malaria-endemic regions.

This does not indicate current infection.

UK reference interpretation:

• High: Elevated antibody levels