Frequently Asked Questions for Prescription of the Malaria Curative Kit for Non-immune Individuals

 

The user should store the kit in a place where temperatures do not exceed 30°C for any extended period of time and protected from excessive moisture. The kit does not need to be refrigerated.

The kit is meant for use upon return from endemic zones, while abroad, it can be kept indoors with other perishable items including other medicines. Presumably, homes in these regions meet these requirements. 

If the kit is exposed to extreme conditions, the effectiveness of the active ingredients will diminish in proportion to the length of time it is exposed.  A short exposure does not necessarily mean that the product is no longer effective.

 

The expiry date is located on the underside of the kit.  This date corresponds to the expiry date of the curative treatment (Coartem/Riamet).  The expiry dates on the diagnostic tests are generally much later.  SMI will alert you when your kits are coming up for expiry in order to facilitate reorder.  We also provide tracking services upon request.

 

The thermometer strips provided in the kit are designed only to indicate if a fever exists, not the exact temperature. The question it answers is, “Do I have a fever or not?” If the thermometer shows any temperature over 37°C, the user should THINK MALARIA FIRST and start using the kit.  

 

The lancet needle is encased in a puncture proof holder and triggered with a spring.  Once the lancet is used, the needle immediately retracts into the casing and the spring is deactivated, making it impossible for the needle to come out again by accident.

 

According to an independent reliability study, “the Paracheck Pf (dipstick and device) was considered as the most appropriate for the use in the field, being sensitive (97.4%), moderately specific (88%), reliable (kappa coefficient = 0.97).”

Source:   Validity, reliability and ease of use in the field of 5 rapid tests for the diagnosis of Plasmodium falciparum malaria in Uganda, Epicentre

 

YES! The Malaria Curative Kit is specifically designed for users when they are located OUTSIDE of Malaria endemic zones.  In non-malaria areas, access to medical professionals specialized in Tropical Diseases may be limited.  The kit contains information addressed to the consulting physician in order to assist them in following the correct protocol for treating falicparum Malaria.  If the user can see a doctor immediately, they should give this kit to the doctor who will use it according to protocol.

 

If the user cannot see a professional immediately, they should start the treatment right away and use the diagnostic test as directed in the kit.  However, this does not exempt them from seeking medical attention.  The organization prescribing this kit should make every effort to make sure that follow-up consultation with a physician is a part of the protocol in the case of Malaria symptoms.  A Malaria hotline number can help them find the doctor they need and may be printed on the kit upon request.

 

The procedure clearly indicated in the Malaria Curative Kit is to START with and FINISH curative treatment.  If the user follows instructions, they will continue the treatment regardless of negative or invalid results.  Again, seeking professional care is vital.

However, false negatives are very rare (see question 5).  When prescribing the Malaria Survival Kit, you must weigh the risk of false negatives combined with misuse of the kit against no kit combined with the difficulty of accessing specialized care in a non-endemic zone. Also, treating a non Malaria fever as Malaria is not dangerous; treating a Malaria fever as non Malaria may be deadly.

 

Statistics and scientific studies on batch-to-batch variability are not currently available. However, during our entire experience using this test, we have never received reports of these types of problems.