A definitive diagnosis of filariasis is made by the demonstration of microfilariae in the peripheral blood, with the exception of Onchocerca volvulus which is diagnosed by demonstration of microfilariae in skin snips.
Container / Tube
05 (CP) – Citrate
Collection Conditions
Minimum volume 20ml of anti-coagulated blood (citrate tube)
Sample must be kept at room temperature.
Availability
Weekdays. Please contact the Serology lab prior to sending to ensure correct processing.
Send to
Microbiology Department, Centre for Laboratory Medicine, St James’s University Hospital, Beckett Street, Leeds, LS9 7TF.
Turnaround Time
Referred to reference laboratory.
Additional Information
Day blood (for Loa loa) should be taken between 12 noon and 2pm local time and
night blood (for Wuchereria bancrofti and Brugia malayi) at 12 midnight to 2am.