 malaria has many signs and symptoms that are similar to those of other fever-causing illnesses. It is essential to test for the presence of plasmodium parasites in order to guide appropriate case management. New diagnostic tools are needed to detect infected individuals and to monitor transmission reduction efforts. Additionally, improved diagnostic tools for mass screening and surveillance are necessary to detect asymptomatic infections of very low parasite densities. Furthermore, antibody-based tests, biomarker-based tests, and novel methods for the detection and treatment of plasmodium bivacs are needed. Rapid diagnostic tests for P. Bivacs are not as effective as those for plasmodium falciparum. Drugs for radical cures may cause serious side effects in people with G6PD deficiency, so it is important to know the prevalence of this condition and develop tests to identify at-risk individuals. Research is also needed into the context in which malaria diagnostic tests are used, into diagnostics for other febrile diseases, and into the integration of these tests into health systems.