Microfilaria detection
Filariasis, loasis, microfilaria, Loa Loa, Wuchereria bancrofti, blood smear staining
When to request this test
Indicated in patients presenting with lymphedema, recurrent adenitis, or unexplained systemic symptoms in endemic regions (fever, cough, pruritus, eosinophilia).
Interferences & limitations
Some species of Microfilaria (e.g. Wuchereria bancrofti, Brugia malayi) are nocturnal.
If sampling is not carried out at the right time (often at night), this can lead to false-negative results.
1 day
- Sample nature: Blood sampling at noon for Loa Loa, sampling at midnight for Wuchereria (tropical zones of Africa)
- Recommended volume: 5 mL
- Type of container: EDTA tube
<12h at room temperature