Filarial blood smear (Calgary/South)

Back to List

Test Name:

Filarial blood smear (Calgary/South)

Organism(s)/Disease(s):

Brugia species
Elephantiasis
Filariasis
Loa loa (filariasis)
Lymphatic filariasis
Mansonella species (Filariasis)
Microfilaria
Onchocerca volvulus (Onchocerciasis, River blindness)
Wuchereria bancrofti (Filariasis)

Clinical Prerequisite(s):

Physicians must consult the Microbiologist-on-call (MOC) prior to ordering the test or sending the patient for collection
Time of collection is critical and dependent of the suspected organism
• Collection must occur between 10:00-16:00 hr or 22:00-04:00 hr.
• The MOC will assist decision-making and with arranging collection
• Phone 1-800-661-9876 to request the MOC for Calgary

Always provide:
• clinical history
• travel history - where, when, and for how long

For Filaria serology, refer to the APL Test Directory

For testing for other blood parasites, refer to:
• Malaria (Calgary/South)
• Babesia blood smear (Calgary/South)
• Trypanosoma microscopy (Calgary/South)

Collection Device/Tube Type:

2 x 6 mL blood - Lavender EDTA

Comments:

Minimum volume: 2 mL whole blood
• Immediately mix tube 8-10 times, by gentle inversion

Note: This test cannot be collected by a mobile collection service

Handling/Storage Comments:

DO NOT open the tube
DO NOT centrifuge

Specimens must be transported STAT, to the testing laboratory (DSC Microbiology) within 1 hr and 40 minutes of collection
• Make necessary courier/cab arrangements for transportation, to meet this time expectation

Turnaround Times

See Microbiology Information»

Comments:

If testing for different microfilarial pathogens or tesing on different specimen types is required, (Onchocerca volvulus/Onchocerciasis testing on skin snips) consult the MOC prior to collection

Last Reviewed:

19 May 2023

Back to List