This is a very practical course with the emphasis on the identification of parasites by microscopy using thin and thick blood films. Staining methods will be discussed as well as the effects of EDTA and drugs on parasite morphology. Parasitaemia counts will also be covered in the practicals along with the use of non-blood film methods of diagnosis, such as rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs), PCR and LAMP. Practicals will be complimented with relevant lectures on malaria as a disease, laboratory diagnosis and the role of serology and molecular diagnosis.
Staff of the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) Malaria Reference Laboratory in the Faculty of Infectious & Tropical Diseases at LSHTM will give instruction on the course. A comprehensive laboratory manual is included and participants will be given, where possible, reference material to take back to their own laboratories.
Assessment
There is no formal assessment but at the conclusion of the course, a certificate of attendance will be provided.
Who should apply?
This intensive course is aimed primarily at haematologists and others involved in the laboratory identification of human malaria.
Applying for this course
Applications are now closed. You can register your interest and we will let you know when applications reopen.
Please read LSHTM's Admissions policies prior to submitting your application.
Visas
The student is responsible for obtaining any visa or other permissions to attend the course, and is encouraged to start the application process as early as possible as obtaining a visa for the UK can sometimes take a long time. The Short Courses team can provide supporting documentation if requested.
Accommodation
A list of hotels located in the vicinity of LSHTM, along with further resources for short term accommodation, can be found on our accommodation pages.
Important information
Please note:
- Students will be required to bring their own laptops. The Stata package will be available for the duration of the course.
- If you have been offered a place on the course you will not be able to register without bringing a formal ID (Passport) and without having obtained the correct visa if required.
- It is essential that you read the current visa requirements for short course students.
- LSHTM may cancel courses two weeks before the first day of the course if numbers prove insufficient. In those circumstances, course fees will be refunded.
- LSHTM cannot accept responsibility for accommodation, travel and other losses incurred as a result of the course being cancelled.