There are quite a few drawbacks with traditional microscopy that impact its efficiency and accuracy such as its need for skilled microscopists/technicians for sample preparation and analysis, subjectivity in diagnosis, lack of digital records and deterioration of samples during transport and storage. There have been several technological advancements such as in molecular biology-based rapid diagnostics that have revolutionized the industry, but these methods can give only qualitative results and need to be followed by microscopy or PCR-based testing for confirmation and quantification. 

Microscopy, thus, still remains a crucial component of malaria diagnosis, especially in regions that have limited resources and are unable to deploy expensive molecular tests. Digital microscopy, along with the integration of other advanced technologies such as AI and cloud computing is the answer to tackling most of the challenges associated with traditional microscopy. Skilled microscopists can identify and distinguish various species, P. falciparum, and P. vivax, being the most common, and determine the parasite load in a patient’s blood, aiding clinicians in choosing appropriate treatment regimens. However, with the recent advent of digital microscopes, the sample analysis process has the potential to become automated, standardized, more accurate and quicker with reduced scope for human error.  Additionally, telemedicine and cloud-based technologies have enabled remote consultation and quality control. This means the turnaround time for diagnosis can be brought down from 1-2 weeks to a few hours, allowing for faster treatment and better recovery. Instead of collecting samples from peripheral settings and transporting them physically to referral centres for cross-verification, analysis and diagnosis can now be done online, thereby increasing efficiency. This has also facilitated collaboration between healthcare professionals and improved healthcare access in remote regions of the world.