Get in Touch

Get in Touch

Email 

labinfo@dshs.texas.gov

Phone 

Fax

Specimen Receiving
Monday-Friday, 8 am - 5 pm
Phone: 512-776-7598

Microfilaria

Microfilaria Test

Laboratory Fee Schedule

Procedure: MPAR012A

CPT: 87015

Synonym(s):	Parasitology; filarial worm test; Loa loa test; Wuchereria test; Brugia test
Requisition Form	G-2B
Test Description	Microscopic morphological examination for the detection and identification of microfilariae
Pre-Approval Needed	N/A
Supplemental Information Required	Travel history; organism suspected
Supplemental Form(s)	N/A
Performed on Specimens from (sources)	Human
Sample/Specimen Type for Testing	EDTA whole blood
Minimum Volume/Size Required	2 mL
Storage/Preservation Prior to Shipping	Ambient temperature or refrigerated
Transport Medium	EDTA
Specimen Labeling	Two patient-specific identifiers required (e.g., patient full name, date of birth, Medical record number) Identifiers on specimen must exactly match submission form.
Shipping and Specimen Handling Requirements	Ship samples: according to Dangerous Good Regulations, IATA, and/or CFR 49 handling as infectious agent using universal precautions triple-contained in accordance with federal shipping regulations for infectious agents as Biological Substance Category B cold on ice packs
Method	Microscopic examination of a concentrate and giemsa stained smears (Knott’s concentration procedure)
Turn-around Time	3 days
Interferences/Limitations	Some worms demonstrate periodicity in the bloodstream, so blood draws should be timed according to the organism suspected; call for instructions regarding collection
Common Causes for Rejection	No specimen received Expired media No identifiers on container
Additional Information	Call Medical Parasitology at 512-776-7560 with questions about specimen collection and handling. Call Lab Reporting at 512-776-7578 with questions about submission forms. Call Specimen Acquisition at 512-776-7569 with questions about shipping.