Development and clinical performance of high throughput loop-mediated isothermal amplification for detection of malaria.

Background: Accurate and efficient detection of sub-microscopic malaria infections is crucial for enabling rapid treatment and interruption of transmission. Commercially available malaria LAMP kits have excellent diagnostic performance, though throughput is limited by the need to prepare samples individually. Here, we evaluate the clinical performance of a newly developed high throughput (HTP) sample processing system for use in conjunction with the Eiken malaria LAMP kit.

The design and evaluation of a shaped filter collection device to sample and store defined volume dried blood spots from finger pricks.

Background: Dried blood spots are a common medium for collecting patient blood prior to testing for malaria by molecular methods. A new shaped filter device for the quick and simple collection of a designated volume of patient blood has been designed and tested against conventional blood spots for accuracy and precision.

Methods: Shaped filter devices were laser cut from Whatman GB003 paper to absorb a 20 μl blood volume.