Which of the following tests can provide more useful information?
Full blood count will quantify any anaemia and thrombocytopenia.
Urea + electrolytes can monitor kidney function. Hyponatraemia is also an occasional feature of malarial infection.
Liver function tests may show raised bilirubin from haemolysis.
Blood cultures, although not helpful for malarial diagnosis, should be performed in any patient with a fever and suspected infection. Concurrent bacterial sepsis is not uncommon in malaria.
Chest X-rays should be considered in cases of respiratory distress, as malaria can cause pulmonary oedema.
Blood gases can be used to check to acidosis, a sign of severe malaria.