Malaria remains a significant global health challenge, with over 240 million cases reported annually, leading to approximately 600,000 deaths worldwide. Early and accurate diagnosis is critical to combating this disease. NOUL’s miLab™ MAL Cartridge provides a groundbreaking solution for malaria diagnosis by streamlining blood smear preparation and staining procedures, ensuring reliable and efficient testing outcomes.

 

In this article, we will provide you with a detailed overview of the miLab™ MAL’s Instructions for Use and its testing procedure to optimize diagnostic accuracy.

 

Why Choose miLab™ MAL for Malaria Diagnostics?

Instructions for use, blood smear preparation and staining procedure, chemical reagents, microscope slides, testing procedureSource : NOUL

 

The miLab™ MAL system revolutionizes malaria diagnostics through automation and precision. As a result, you can expect to see the following advantages:

  • Simplified blood smear preparation and staining procedures – Automated processes minimize human intervention, which ensures consistent results.
  • Integrated high-quality chemical reagents – The cartridge uses advanced hydrogel patches for precise diagnostic staining.
  • Compatibility with standard microscope slides – Makes it easier to perform seamless integration into existing laboratory workflows.
  • Efficient testing procedures – AI-powered analysis ensures accurate results with rapid reporting, which reduces manual effort and decision-making delays.

For more information about this process, read about our point-of-care testing device.

 

Step-by-Step Guide: Instructions for Use

Instructions for use, blood smear preparation and staining procedure, chemical reagents, microscope slides, testing procedureSource : NOUL

 

A. Preparation

Storage Requirements

Store cartridges at temperatures between 4–30°C and humidity levels of 15–75% RH to maintain reagent stability.

 

Cartridge Assembly

Assemble all components of the miLab™ MAL cartridge to ensure reliable operation.

 

Sample Collection

  • For immediate use, collect fresh blood samples via fingerstick.
  • Use intravenous samples stored in EDTA K2 containers within the recommended timeframe to prevent degradation.

 

B. Blood Smear Preparation

Avoid Contamination

Remove cartridge seals carefully to prevent contamination of chemical reagents.

 

Precise Blood Volume

Use a calibrated pipette to dispense exactly 5μL of blood onto the cartridge’s loading port, which ensures optimal smear quality.

 

C. Testing Procedure

Cartridge Insertion

Place the prepared cartridge into the miLab™ Platform.

 

Automated Processes

The platform performs smearing, hydrogel-based stamping (solid-based staining), fixation, and imaging.

 

AI-Powered Analysis

Results are categorized as Positive, Negative, or requiring Review. Additionally, you can find species differentiation and parasitemia levels.

 

D. Post-Test Handling

Safe Disposal

Disassemble and dispose of used cartridges as biohazardous waste in compliance with safety regulations.

 

Microscope Slide Retrieval

Retrieve the prepared microscope slides to review them further or archive them. To better understand blood smear techniques, check our resource on malaria diagnosis solutions.

 

For more on this topic, refer to the World Health Organization’s Malaria Guidelines and CDC’s Malaria Diagnosis Guide.

 

Features That Improve Diagnostic Accuracy

Instructions for use, blood smear preparation and staining procedure, chemical reagents, microscope slides, testing procedureSource : NOUL

 

  • Automation – Reduces human error during blood smear preparation and staining procedures, which gives us reproducible results.
  • Advanced Chemical Reagents – High-quality hydrogel patches enhance sensitivity and specificity.
  • AI-Powered Analysis – Provides reliable malaria detection such as species differentiation and parasitemia quantification.
  • Efficient Data Management – This integrates with miLab Viewer™ for streamlined reporting and record-keeping.

Discover more about the miLab™ MAL’s features here.

 

Best Practices for Accurate Testing

  • Handle Cartridges with Care – Avoid touching sensitive areas such as staining patches, spreader films, and slide glass to prevent contamination.
  • Use Fresh Samples – Ensure that the sample is intact through adherence to the recommended storage times and conditions.
  • Ensure Precision – Dispense the exact blood volume with calibrated pipettes for optimal smear and staining quality.
  • Prepare the Environment – Operate the miLab™ Platform in a stable and dust-free area to avoid imaging errors.
  • Optimize Device Settings – Choose the appropriate test modes and RBC counts to enhance diagnostic efficiency.

For additional information on the instructions for use, check out this guide on how malaria is transmitted by mosquitos.

 

This table highlights the specifications of miLab™ MAL:

FeatureSpecification
Storage Conditions4–30°C, 15–75% RH.
Sample Volume5μL (precisely dispensed).
Automated FunctionsSmearing, Staining (Hydrogel-Based Stamping), Fixation, and Imaging.
AnalysisAI-powered; Results: Positive, Negative, and Review.
Data IntegrationCompatible with miLab Viewer™ to report and keep records.

 

Conclusion

Instructions for use, blood smear preparation and staining procedure, chemical reagents, microscope slides, testing procedureSource : NOUL

 

NOUL’s miLab™ MAL offers healthcare professionals an innovative, automated solution for malaria diagnostics. Its advanced features, including AI-powered analysis and high-quality chemical reagents, ensure reliable and efficient results.

 

The miLab™ MAL is an indispensable tool for healthcare professionals as there is advanced automation in:

  • Blood smear preparation and staining procedures.
  • Integration of precise chemical reagents.
  • Compatibility with standard microscope slides.

For product inquiries or demonstrations, visit the official NOUL website. You can also explore the detailed resources on malaria diagnostic solutions.