Filaria Antibody – Serology
Consistent with O. Reg. 671/92 of the French Language Services Act, laboratory testing information on this page is only available in English because it is scientific or technical in nature and is for use only by qualified health care providers and not by members of the public.
Specimen Requirements
| Test Requested | Required Requisition(s) | Specimen Type | Minimum Volume | Collection Kit |
Filaria serology, or Filariasis, Wuchereriasis, or Onchocerciasis, Bancroft’s Filaria, or Brugiasis |
Blood or serum |
5.0 ml blood or 1.0 ml serum |
Blood, clotted - vacutainer tubes (SST) |
Submission and Collection Notes
This test detect antibodies to Filaria. For diagnosis of an infection, thick and thin smears, and EDTA blood for Filaria microscopy is recommended. Refer to the test information sheet for Filaria – microscopy
If diagnostic testing is required using serology include all clinical symptoms and date of onset on the General Test Requisition Form.
Timing of Specimen Collection
An acute (collected early after the onset of symptoms) and a convalescent (collected 2-3 weeks later) may be required for laboratory diagnosis.
Limitations
Grossly haemolysed, lipemic, contaminated specimens, CSF and specimens containing anti-coagulant are unsuitable for testing.
Storage and Transport
Label the specimen container with the patient’s full name, date of collection and one other unique identifier such as the patient’s date of birth or Health Card Number. Failure to provide this information may result in rejection or testing delay.
Special Instructions
Centrifuge if using SST. Place specimen in biohazard bag and seal.
Test Frequency and Turnaround Time (TAT)
Filaria serology is a Referred Out Test. Samples are sent to the National Reference Centre for Parasitology (NRCP) in Montreal.
Turnaround time is up to 42 days from receipt by PHO Laboratory.
Filaria serology is performed using Enzyme Immunoassay (EIA) methodology.
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