Malaria detection method and device

A handheld device for detecting malaria within a blood sample comprising:

• a handheld body;
• a user interface including a graphic interface;
• an interdigitated sensor connected to the handheld body, the interdigitated sensor comprising;
• a first electrode having a plurality of fingers;
• a second electrode having a plurality of fingers;
• wherein the first electrode fingers are interspersed with the second electrode fingers and having a space therebetween;
• wherein the interdigitated sensor is configured to receive a quantity of blood applied thereon and to measure the quantity of blood for at least one measurable characteristic, wherein the at least one measurable characteristic includes a resistance of the blood;
• and
• wherein the handheld device is configured to determine the presence of malaria infected blood based on a comparison between the at least one measurable characteristic and a predetermined threshold related to the at least one measurable characteristic.

A method of cleaning a sensor, the method comprising:

• creating a cleaning solution, wherein the cleaning solution comprises water and bleach;
• placing the sensor within the cleaning solution;
• placing the sensor in the cleaning solution within an ultrasound cleaning device;
• removing the sensor from the cleaning solution and rinsing the sensor;
• testing the sensor in air for a predetermined resistance threshold;
• and
• testing the sensor in air for a predetermined capacitance threshold.