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Note: Result turn around times are an estimate and are not guaranteed. Our reference lab may need additional time due to weather, holidays, confirmation/repeat testing, or equipment maintenance.
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Test Code: 34168
Specimen Type: Blood
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Description:
This blood test detects antibodies that can help identify the parasitic disease filariasis. Filariasis is caused by infection with parasitic worms of the Filaridea family. Filaria is most commonly spread by insects that feed on blood such as mosquitoes, gnats, and ticks. Filarial parasites typically infect the lymphatic system which is responsible for transporting waste from the body and fighting infections. Most infections can take months or longer to show any symptoms. Some people may experience a rash or swelling around the lymph nodes. The most common symptoms of chronic infection are a thickening of the skin and swelling, most often in the legs. Swelling in other parts of the body can occur depending on where the infection is present.
The filaria antibody test looks for IgG4 antibodies which the immune system creates in response to infection. While some people with a filarial infection will show positive antibody levels, a negative result is not sufficient to rule out an infection. Likewise, positive antibody results are typically not enough to make a diagnosis. Positive results are usually followed up by one or more parasite blood tests to help identify an infection.
Turnaround for this test is typically 7-16 business days.
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Note: Result turn around times are an estimate and are not guaranteed. Our reference lab may need additional time due to weather, holidays, confirmation/repeat testing, or equipment maintenance.
Requirements:
This test is run one day per week and results can take up to 2-3 weeks.
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