Wet Mount For Microfilaria in Srinivasa-puram, Chennai

Wet Mount For Microfilaria: Price, Purpose, Range & Reports

Test Overview

The Wet Mount for Microfilaria is a specialised diagnostic blood test used to detect the presence of larval parasitic worms, known as microfilariae, in the peripheral blood of a patient. These microfilariae are the early life stage of nematodes that cause filariasis, a group of tropical diseases, the most well-known being lymphatic filariasis (often leading to elephantiasis).

This test involves examining a fresh, often thick blood film under a microscope to visually identify and count the tiny, motile worms. Because the number of microfilariae in the bloodstream can fluctuate significantly, a phenomenon called nocturnal periodicity, the timing of blood collection is absolutely critical for an accurate result. If you’re looking for this specialised test, Apollo 24|7 offers laboratory services designed to accommodate the specific collection times necessary for reliable detection, along with accredited analysis and fast report access.

What is the Wet Mount for Microfilaria Test?

The Wet Mount test is a direct microscopic examination method used in parasitology. It is one of the primary tools for diagnosing active infection with filarial parasites such as Wuchereria bancrofti, Brugia malayi, and Loa loa.

The standard procedure often involves preparing a thick blood smear, which concentrates the blood components, making it easier for the technician to detect the few microfilariae that might be present. While a true "wet mount" might be unstained, in clinical practice for filariasis, the thick smear is typically stained (e.g., with Giemsa or Leishman's stain) to improve visualisation and allow for species identification based on the parasite's sheath and nuclear column.

The defining characteristic of this test is the required nighttime collection (usually between 10 PM and 2 AM) to align with the parasite's peak circulation in the peripheral blood.

What is the Wet Mount for Microfilaria Test Price?

The price of the Wet Mount for Microfilaria test is generally reflective of the need for specialised laboratory preparation and skilled microscopic examination by a parasitologist or experienced technician. Key factors influencing the cost include:

• Specialised Logistics: The need for blood sample collection during non-standard hours (at night) may incur a slightly higher service fee for home or lab-based collection logistics.
• Technician Expertise: Accurate identification of microfilariae requires extensive training and time spent scanning the slide under high magnification.
• Location and Regional Costs: Prices will vary geographically based on the prevailing costs of specialised diagnostic services in the area.
• Laboratory Accreditation: Choosing a laboratory with NABL accreditation ensures the high quality and reliability of the microscopic examination, which is crucial for diagnosis.

For the most precise and current pricing, including any available discounts for home collection, please consult the Apollo 24|7 apps or websites for your specific location.

What is the Purpose of the Wet Mount for the Microfilaria Test?

The primary purpose of this test is the definitive diagnosis of filarial infection in patients presenting with clinical signs or those who have travelled to endemic areas.

Doctors order this test for the following key objectives:

• Confirming Active Infection: To visually confirm the presence of circulating microfilariae, which indicates a current, active infection.
• Guiding Treatment: The diagnosis dictates the need for anti-filarial drugs (like Diethylcarbamazine or Ivermectin) and subsequent monitoring.
• Identifying Species: The morphology (size, presence of a sheath, arrangement of nuclei) of the microfilariae allows the lab to often determine the exact species of the parasite (e.g., W. bancrofti vs. B. malayi).
• Population Screening: Used in public health programs in endemic regions to assess infection prevalence.

Who Should Get a Wet Mount for Microfilaria Test Done?

This test is typically ordered when a physician suspects a patient has been infected with a filarial parasite. This includes:

• Symptomatic Patients: Individuals exhibiting classic signs of filariasis, such as lymphedema (swelling, often called elephantiasis), hydrocele (swelling of the scrotum), or chyluria (milky-white urine).
• Residents or Travellers to Endemic Areas: People living in or returning from tropical and subtropical regions where filariasis is common (e.g., parts of Africa, Asia, and the Western Pacific).
• Patients with Unexplained Eosinophilia: Individuals with elevated levels of eosinophils (a type of white blood cell) and clinical symptoms suggesting parasitic involvement.

Components of the Wet Mount for Microfilaria Test

The test focuses on the direct examination of the blood sample for the following:

• Presence of Microfilariae: The key finding is the detection (or absence) of the microfilarial worms.
• Concentration: An estimate or count of the number of microfilariae seen per unit volume or per slide.
• Species Identification: Detailed morphological examination to identify the specific type of filarial parasite.

Understanding a Wet Mount for Microfilaria Test Report

The Wet Mount for Microfilaria Test is typically reported in a qualitative format (either Positive or Negative) and may occasionally include a semi-quantitative count indicating the approximate number of microfilariae observed. This test helps confirm or rule out active filarial infection by directly visualising the parasites in a stained blood smear under a microscope.

While exact reporting formats may vary slightly depending on the laboratory and clinical setting, the following result categories are widely accepted:

Important Note on Negative Results: A negative result does not always mean the patient is free of infection. Microfilariae exhibit nocturnal periodicity, meaning they are most detectable in the blood between 10 PM and 2 AM. If the sample is collected outside this window, or if the parasite load is very low, the test may yield a false negative. If clinical suspicion remains high, your doctor may recommend repeat testing or more sensitive alternatives such as antigen detection assays or molecular DNA-based tests.

Accurate interpretation of the report depends on proper timing, clinical context, and laboratory expertise. Always consult your physician to understand what your results mean and whether further testing is needed.

Preparation and Procedure

How is the Wet Mount for Microfilaria Test performed?

The Wet Mount for Microfilaria Test starts with a simple blood draw from a vein, usually done by a trained phlebotomist. To improve the chances of detecting microfilariae, a thick blood smear is made by spreading a large drop of blood over a small area on a glass slide. This helps concentrate any parasites that may be present. The smear is then treated to remove red blood cells, dried, and stained with a special dye such as Giemsa or Leishman's stain. These dyes make it easier to see the internal structures of the microfilariae, which helps identify the species. A parasitologist then carefully examines the slide under a microscope.

Is fasting required for the Microfilaria Test?

No, you do not need to fast before this test. The number of microfilariae in your blood is controlled by the parasite’s natural cycle, not by what you eat or drink.

When is the absolute best time to collect the sample?

Timing is very important for this test. The most common types of filarial parasites (W. bancrofti and B. malayi) are most active in the bloodstream between 10 PM and 2 AM. Collecting the sample during this window gives the highest chance of detecting the infection. If the sample is taken outside of these hours, the test may miss the parasites even if you are infected. Make sure to coordinate with your doctor or lab to schedule the blood draw during this time.

Should I inform my physician about my travel history?

Yes, it is very important to tell your doctor about any recent travel, especially to tropical or subtropical regions. Different types of filarial parasites are found in different parts of the world, and some, like Loa loa, appear in the blood during the day instead of at night. Sharing your travel history helps the lab choose the right testing method and improves the accuracy of your results.

Booking Microfilaria Test Online & Checking Reports

Apollo 24|7 provides a streamlined process for booking and accessing your test results.

A. What are the Steps to Schedule the Test on Apollo 24|7?

1. Visit the Apollo 24|7 website or mobile application and search for the Wet Mount for Microfilaria Test.
2. Confirm the latest test price for your city and click the 'Book Now' button.
3. Select your preferred date and a time slot that strictly aligns with the required night collection window (e.g., 11 PM).
4. Complete the secure online payment. Confirmation and detailed preparation instructions will be provided instantly.

B. How Do I Access My Test Results Online on Apollo 24|7?

1. Log in to your Apollo 24|7 account using your registered phone number or email.
2. Navigate to the 'Health Records' or 'My Reports' section on the dashboard.
3. Click on your completed test name to view the detailed report immediately.
4. You can easily view the entire report online or download it in PDF format to share with your physician.

Conclusion

The Wet Mount for Microfilaria Test remains a crucial method for diagnosing filariasis. It provides direct visual confirmation of microfilariae in the bloodstream, allowing doctors to identify active infections with clarity. The accuracy of this test depends entirely on collecting the blood sample during the hours when microfilariae are most likely to be present, typically between 10 PM and 2 AM. When timed correctly, the test delivers essential information that helps guide timely treatment with antiparasitic medication, improving patient outcomes and preventing long-term complications.