Microfilaria Parasite Test
The microfilaria test is used to detect and identify microfilaria in blood. Since microfilaria emerges at night, this test is carried out at a specified time of day or night.
The larvae of parasitic nematodes are referred to as microfilaria. (Larval stage 1). These larvae are released into circulation by adult parasites. As a result, any infected person will have embryonic larvae. Elephantiasis, loa filariasis, and river blindness are all illnesses caused by these parasites.
Blood is taken from suspected patients through the earlobe, venous blood, or finger prick. There are numerous methods for detecting the presence of these parasites in the body. These tests include a thin blood smear, a thick blood smear, quantitative blood count, and membrane filtration.
What is the Microfilaria Parasite Test?
The microfilaria test is used to detect and identify microfilaria in blood. Since microfilaria emerges at night, this test is carried out at a specified time of day or night.
The larvae of parasitic nematodes are referred to as microfilaria. (Larval stage 1). These larvae are released into circulation by adult parasites. As a result, any infected person will have embryonic larvae. Elephantiasis, loa filariasis, and river blindness are all illnesses caused by these parasites.
Blood is taken from suspected patients through the earlobe, venous blood, or finger prick. There are numerous methods for detecting the presence of these parasites in the body. These tests include a thin blood smear, a thick blood smear, quantitative blood count, and membrane filtration.
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Get A Second OpinionWhat is the Use of the Microfilaria Parasite Test?
The primary approach for determining active microfilaria infection is a microscopic analysis of microfilaria in blood. Lymphatic filariasis causes microfilariae to proliferate in high numbers at night (nocturnal periodicity); a blood smear from a probable patient aids in detecting the larvae.
Lymphatic filariasis causes abnormal swelling of bodily parts and acute discomfort in such areas. Severe impairment follows, and it is associated with a societal stigma. The microfilaria test is a diagnostic test that can help provide unambiguous proof of filarial infection. It also helps to know the size and form of the larvae, which aids in species identification. This contributes to better therapy.
What happens during the Microfilaria Parasite Test?
Microfilaria testing is usually done at night since that is when microfilariae emerge and the amount of microfilaria is higher. Trained workers obtain blood samples from the fingers, earlobes, or venous blood. Filariasis is diagnosed by examining blood smears for the presence of the larval roundworms B.malayi and W.bancrofti.
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Book an AppointmentWhat are the Risks of the Microfilaria Parasite Test?
There are no known complications associated with the Microfilaria Parasite Test. However, as with any blood test, there is a small risk of bleeding, infection, or bruising at the site where the blood sample is taken.
Understanding the Microfilaria Parasite Test Results?
A microfilaria test is performed on suspected patients by taking blood. Fill and spin down the Microhematocrit tube. The tubes are positioned on the microscopic stage. The Buffy coat is designed to provide 10x power. Your results are considered good if you can see circulating and wriggling microfilaria larvae.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is a Microfilaria Parasite Test?
A Microfilaria Parasite Test is a laboratory test that is used for detecting the presence of microfilariae in the blood. Microfilariae are the larval stage of filarial parasites that are transmitted by mosquitoes and cause diseases such as lymphatic filariasis and onchocerciasis.
2. How is the Microfilaria Parasite Test performed?
The Microfilaria Parasite Test is performed by taking a small sample of blood from a patient and examining it under a microscope. The blood sample is usually taken at night, as microfilariae are more active at night and are more likely to be present in the blood during this time.
3. What are the indications for performing the Microfilaria Parasite Test?
The Microfilaria Parasite Test is usually performed when a patient presents with symptoms that are consistent with a filarial infection, such as fever, lymphedema, and skin lesions. The test may also be performed as part of a routine screening program in areas where filarial infections are endemic.
4. How accurate is the Microfilaria Parasite Test?
The Microfilaria Parasite Test is generally considered to be a very accurate test for detecting the presence of microfilariae in the blood. However, the accuracy of the test can be affected by factors such as the time of day the blood sample is taken, the technician's skill performing the test, and the level of infection in the patient.
5. What are the potential complications of the Microfilaria Parasite Test?
There are no known complications associated with the Microfilaria Parasite Test. However, as with any blood test, there is a very small risk of infection, bleeding, or bruising at the site where the blood sample is taken.
6. How long does it take to get the results of a Microfilaria Parasite Test?
The results of a Microfilaria Parasite Test can usually be obtained within a few days to a week, depending on the laboratory and the type of test performed.
7. Is the Microfilaria Parasite Test a routine part of blood tests?
No, the Microfilaria Parasite Test is not typically included in routine blood tests. It is usually performed when a healthcare provider suspects a filarial infection or as part of a screening program in areas where filarial infections are endemic.
8. Is the Microfilaria Parasite Test only used to diagnose filarial infections?
No, the Microfilaria Parasite Test is not only used to diagnose filarial infections. It can also be used for monitoring the effectiveness of treatment for filarial infections and to detect a recurrence of the infection after treatment.
9. What is the cost of the Microfilaria Parasite Test?
The cost of the Microfilaria Parasite Test is around Rs. 200 to Rs. 400. The price can vary from place to place.
10. Where can I get Microfilaria Parasite Test?
You can get Microfilaria Parasite Test at Medicover Hospitals.
