ATLANTA - The paramount importance of diagnostic testing was highlighted at a session on malaria held at the American Society of Tropical Medicine & Hygiene Annual Meeting in Atlanta, Georgia (November 3-7, 2010). Researchers from around the world discussed cheap convenient rapid diagnostic tests and the latest and most sensitive laboratory methods. Clare Chandler of the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine - who co-chaired a session on diagnosis in Atlanta - discusses the new tests and the improvements they have brought.