Arrange the Following Steps in the Rapid Diagnostic Test (RDT) for Malaria:
A. Observe the appearance of test lines for malaria antigens
B. Add the patient's blood sample to the test strip
C. Apply a buffer solution to the sample well
D. Wait for the specified time for results

1. A

   ABDC

2. B

   DCBA

3. C

   CDAB

4. D

   BCDA

Appeared in: MP NHM CHO-2024 (Shift-2)

Explanation

• The correct sequence for a malaria RDT is BCDA.
• First, the patient's blood sample is added to the test strip (B).
• Next, a buffer solution is applied to the sample well to facilitate the test reaction (C).
• Then, a specific waiting period is required for the immunochromatographic reaction to occur (D).
• Finally, the results are interpreted by observing the appearance of the test and control lines (A).

Why Other Options Were Wrong

• Option A: This sequence (ABDC) is incorrect because observing the test lines (A) is the final step, not the second. You cannot observe results before adding the buffer and waiting for the reaction.
• Option B: This sequence (DCBA) is the reverse of the correct procedure. Waiting (D) and observing (A) are the last steps, not the first.
• Option C: This sequence (CDAB) is incorrect because the blood sample (B) must be added before the buffer (C). The buffer acts on the blood sample to initiate the test.

Related Visual

• Visual 1: Infographic - A step-by-step visual guide showing the four stages of performing a malaria RDT: 1. Pricking the finger and collecting blood. 2. Applying blood to the test cassette. 3. Adding the buffer solution. 4. Reading the results after 15-20 minutes, with examples of positive, negative, and invalid results.

Clinical Relevance

• Nursing practice connection: Safe nursing care depends on performing The procedural steps for conducting a Rapid Diagnostic Test (RDT) for malaria in the correct sequence, documenting the action clearly, and monitoring for the expected response.
• Accurate performance of RDTs is critical for prompt and correct treatment of malaria, especially in remote areas where microscopy is unavailable. Following the correct sequence prevents false-negative or false-positive results.
• Nurses must ensure strict adherence to the manufacturer's instructions, including the correct volume of blood and buffer, and the precise waiting time, as these can vary between different RDT kits.
• What if? If the buffer is added before the blood, the test will be invalid. The buffer would dilute the sample area and prevent the blood from being properly absorbed and reacting with the test reagents, likely leading to a false-negative result.

How to Approach the Question

• This is a process-based question that requires you to know the correct sequence of a procedure.
• First, identify the starting point of the process. A diagnostic test always begins with obtaining a sample from the patient. In this case, it's adding the blood sample (B).
• Next, think about what enables the test to work. A buffer (C) is needed to make the sample flow and react.
• Then, consider the reaction time. All immunochromatographic tests require a waiting period (D) for the reaction to complete.
• Finally, identify the end point of the process, which is reading and interpreting the result (A).
• By logically ordering these steps (Sample -> Reagent -> Wait -> Result), you can determine the correct sequence is BCDA.

Concept Tested & Keywords

• Concept Tested: The procedural steps for conducting a Rapid Diagnostic Test (RDT) for malaria.
• Stem keywords: Arrange, Steps, Rapid Diagnostic Test, RDT, Malaria
• Lead-in keywords: Arrange the Following Steps

Question ID

QCXSMCIXCQEltK5IL4_fK1

Copy ID