How to use a rapid diagnostic test (Generic Pf): A guide for training at a village and clinic level

Overview

This manual and accompanying material are designed to train health workers in the safe and accurate use of malaria rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs). The generic instructions job-aids and training manual have been developed with the aim of improving accuracy of RDT diagnosis and blood safety during the diagnostic procedure. It is important that an adequate ongoing supervisory programme accompany the use of this training material and all field RDT use. 

The photographic guides to interpretation of malaria RDT cassettes, and questions with model answers, are provided to accompany the generic instructions job aids. Experience indicates that realistic examples of negative and positive results, especially of weak positive results, assist health workers in interpreting real tests more effectively than line drawings.

Additional materials

• Job aid: How to do the rapid test for malaria
• Malaria generic Pf RDT results guide
• Quiz 1
• Quiz 2
• Quiz 3
• Answers to quizzes 1, 2 and 3

Modifying the training manual to suit your country’s malaria control policies

Because national policies for the treatment of malaria differ between countries, this manual addresses only diagnosis. Health workers who complete this training will also need separate training on their country’s national policy for anti-malarial drug use and for appropriate management of RDT-negative febrile cases. 

Production in other languages

The accuracy of malaria RDTs is dependent on the correctness of preparation and interpretation of the tests. It is essential that users of malaria RDTs have training and instructions in a format and language that they readily understand, and the equipment to carry them out. This helps to ensure the accuracy of the diagnosis, and the safety of the health worker and patient.

The graphic design files for the generic versions of the training materials can requested from malaria_rdt@who.int. 

Product/Brand specific job aids 

Manufacturers may change aspects of products and their instructions from time to time. It is imperative that the training materials available at this site are checked carefully against the product and the manufacturer’s instructions in use in each programme, before they are used.