[Malaria diagnosis: French recommendations ANOFEL/LABAC]

The ANOFEL/LABAC recommendations aim to standardize the methods used for the biological diagnosis of malaria in France in accordance with the NF EN ISO 15189 standard. Any fever after returning from a malaria-endemic area should raise suspicion of malaria and prompt urgent testing for Plasmodium. Biological diagnosis is based on detecting parasites or their DNA using a sensitive technique, such as rapid molecular biology or a thick smear. If the result is positive, a thin blood smear is performed to identify the parasite species and stages and estimate parasitemia. A rapid diagnostic test (RDT) for detecting plasmodial proteins is a supplementary diagnostic tool and should not be used alone. The result must confirm or rule out malaria, and if malaria is confirmed, it must specify the species involved and the parasitemia. Biologists play an active role in rapidly communicating results and in the medical management of patients. They collaborate with clinicians, interpret results, identify serious cases, and contextualize findings. In the event of indigenous malaria, they participate in mandatory reporting (MR) to the regional health agency (ARS). CNR- or LBMR-qualified malaria laboratories may be consulted for expertise in severe or complex cases. Operator competence and reagent performance control are essential to ensuring the reliability of the results produced.