Test Directory
Filariasis - microscopy and serology
Laboratory Site
10-16 Alexandra Parade
Glasgow Royal Infirmary
GLASGOW
G4 0SF
Transport arrangements
Useful in: Patients with eosinophilia/symptoms who have travelled to a filarial endemic area. Routine screen if long stay in West Africa. Serology (ELISA) acts as a non-specifc screening test, which does not exclude the diagnosis, especially for Onchocerca volvulus. Definitive diagnosis is by demonstration of microfilariae in the blood (except Onchocerca volvulus - see separate page/sub-section). A negative serology result does not exclude the diagnosis, particularly with onchocerciasis.
Processed at the Scottish Parasite Diagnostic & Reference Laboratory (SPDRL), Glasgow Royal Infirmary. Please send to the RIE for forwarding. Transport as soon as is practicable.
Sample storage arrangements
Store at room temperature.
Special instructions for collection
Serology: 5-10ml (minimum 1ml) clotted blood/serum (brown cap blood)
Microscopy: At least 2mL EDTA whole blood (red cap blood), 2 samples, collected at the following times:
| Timing | Helminth |
| Night Blood (2200 - 0200) | Wuchereria bancrofti, Brugia malayi |
| Day Blood (1200-1400) | Loa loa |
| No periodicity; take bloods anytime | Mansonella perstans, Mansonella ozzardi |
N.B when sending to the laboratory please mark clearly on request form: 'PLEASE DO NOT SPIN.'
See separate page for Onchocerca volvulus microscopy.
How to request
Microscopy: via paper request form. Specify symptoms, travel history and organism to be tested in 'clinical details' field.
N.B when sending to the laboratory please mark clearly on request form: 'PLEASE DO NOT SPIN.'
Serology: Via Trak - 'microbiology serology' - specify symptoms, travel history, and organism to be tested in 'clinical details' field
Availability
This is a referred test so should be sent Monday-Friday 9am-5pm.
Anticipated turnaround
Serology: 10 days from receipt of sample at SPDRL.
Microscopy: 3 days from receipt of sample at SPDRL.