Filarial Antibody Test: Booking, Price, and Results
About Filarial Antibody Test: Booking, Price, and Results
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Also Known As | Filaria IgG/IgM antibody test, Filarial antibody panel, Anti-filaria antibody test, Filariasis antibody test |
| Sample Type | Serum (venous blood) |
| Fasting Required | No fasting required |
| Report Time | 1 Day |
| Recommended For | All genders and ages, particularly those in endemic areas or with suspected filariasis symptoms |
| Price | Starting at ₹1,050 |
What is a Filarial Antibody Test?
The filarial antibody test is a blood test that checks whether your immune system has produced antibodies against filarial parasites. These are tiny parasitic worms transmitted through mosquito bites. Doctors order this test when a patient shows symptoms that suggest a filarial infection, particularly in regions where the disease is common. The test is also known as the filariasis antibody test or the filarial antibody panel/test, and it uses a serum sample drawn from a vein in the arm.
What Does a Filarial Antibody Test Measure?
This test detects specific antibodies that the body produces in response to filarial parasites. The table below explains each antibody type.
| Antibody | What It Indicates |
|---|---|
| IgG Antibody | Suggests previous or ongoing exposure to filarial parasites; remains in the blood long after infection |
| IgM Antibody | May suggest recent or active exposure to filarial infection. |
| IgG4 Antibody (select assays) | Associated with infections caused by certain filarial parasites such as Wuchereria bancrofti and Brugia malayi. |
Why is a Filarial Antibody Test Done?
A doctor may prescribe this test when certain symptoms are present or when a patient lives in or has travelled to an area where filariasis is common.
Common Symptoms That May Require This Test
The following symptoms are among the most common reasons a doctor may recommend the filarial antibody test:
- Persistent swelling of the legs, arms, breasts, or genitals (known as lymphoedema).
- Scrotal swelling in men (hydrocele)
- Hardening or thickening of the skin
- Chronic cough or wheezing
- Shortness of breath
- Recurring fever with chills
- Persistent fatigue in someone living in or returning from an area where filariasis is common.
Conditions This Test Can Help Detect
This test may help support the diagnosis of conditions related to filarial infection. These include:
- Lymphatic filariasis caused by Wuchereria bancrofti, Brugia malayi, or Brugia timori.
- Elephantiasis, which is severe swelling of the limbs or genitals due to lymphatic damage.
- Onchocerciasis (river blindness) affects the skin and eyes.
- Tropical pulmonary eosinophilia (TPE), a lung condition associated with filarial infection.
- Past exposure to filarial parasites (shown by a positive IgG result).
- Active or recent filarial infection (shown by a positive IgM result).
How to Prepare and What to Expect
No special preparation is needed for this test. The steps below explain what to expect on the day of your sample collection.
Do You Need to Fast?
No, fasting is not required for the filarial antibody test. You can eat and drink normally before your appointment. If your doctor has requested any other tests alongside this one, check separately whether those tests need fasting.
Practical Tips Before Your Test
Keeping a few things in mind will help your appointment go smoothly:
- Bring a detailed clinical history, including your symptoms, any previous test results, and a note of your travel history to endemic areas, as this information may help interpret the results.
- Wear clothing with sleeves that roll up easily for easy access to the blood draw site.
- Drink enough water before your appointment, as being well-hydrated helps with blood collection.
- Inform the phlebotomist about any medications, supplements, or health conditions you have.
Step-by-Step Procedure
- A trained phlebotomist cleans a small area of skin on your arm.
- A needle is gently inserted into a vein, usually at the inner elbow, and a small amount of blood is collected into a yellow SST gel tube.
- The needle is removed, and a small bandage is placed on the site.
- The blood sample is processed to separate the serum from the rest of the blood.
- The serum is stored under refrigerated conditions (2 to 8 degrees Celsius) and dispatched to the laboratory.
- The serum is analysed using immunochromatographic testing, and results are usually available within 1 working day.
Factors That Can Affect Accuracy
- Cross-reactivity with particularly infections caused by Strongyloides, a type of parasitic roundworm.
- Chronic elephantiasis, which may not produce a measurable IgG4 response.
- Conditions that weaken the immune system may affect antibody levels.
- Timing of the blood draw relative to the stage of infection.
- Recent use of certain medications or supplements.
Understanding Your Filarial Antibody Test Results
Your results show whether antibodies against filarial parasites were found in your blood. A doctor will review these alongside your symptoms and medical history to make a proper assessment.
| Parameter | Normal Result | Abnormal Result |
|---|---|---|
| IgG Antibody | Negative (not detected) | Positive: suggests previous or ongoing exposure |
| IgM Antibody | Negative (not detected) | Positive: may suggest recent or active infection |
| IgG4 Index (quantitative) | Less than 2.50 | 2.50 or above: positive result |
These ranges are general guidelines. Your doctor will interpret your results based on your age, health history, and other factors. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for personalised medical advice.
Results During Special Conditions
Some health conditions can affect how results are interpreted:
- Patients with chronic elephantiasis may not show a significant IgG4 response, so a negative IgG4 result does not rule out the condition.
- Conditions that weaken the immune system may reduce antibody levels, making interpretation more difficult without additional clinical information.
How to Reduce the Risk of Filarial Infection
These general wellness steps can help reduce your risk of filarial infection:
- Use mosquito repellents and sleep under nets, especially in the evening and at night in endemic areas.
- Wear full-sleeved clothing when outdoors in areas where mosquitoes are prevalent.
- Seek prompt medical attention if symptoms such as unexplained swelling or persistent cough develop after travel to endemic regions.
Lupin Diagnostics Filarial Antibody Test Price and Home Collection
The filarial antibody test is available at Lupin Diagnostics starting at ₹1,050, with home sample collection offered for added convenience.
| City | Approximate Price (₹) |
|---|---|
| BHOPAL | 1050 |
| CHENNAI | 1050 |
| HYDERABAD | 1050 |
| KOLKATA | 1050 |
| NAVI MUMBAI | 1050 |
| PUNE | 1050 |
Prices are indicative and may vary by location. Please confirm the current price at the time of booking.
How to Book
- Select the test on the Lupin Diagnostics website.
- Choose your city and preferred time slot.
- Opt for home sample collection by a certified phlebotomist, or visit your nearest Lupin Diagnostics centre.
- Receive your report via email or WhatsApp within the stipulated turnaround time.
Home Collection
Filarial antibody test home collection is available across cities through Lupin Diagnostics, so you do not need to travel to a centre for your sample. All samples are processed in NABL-accredited laboratories by trained professionals. Your digital report is delivered securely via email or WhatsApp once ready.
Frequently Asked Questions
The filarial antibody test checks whether your blood contains antibodies produced in response to filarial parasites. It helps determine whether you have had a recent active infection (IgM-positive) or past exposure (IgG-positive) to these parasites. Doctors typically order it when a patient shows symptoms such as unexplained swelling or breathing difficulties.
No fasting is needed. You can eat and drink as usual before your appointment. Simply remember to bring your clinical history and any relevant previous test reports, as these are required for this test.
A positive IgG result indicates that your body has previously been exposed to filarial parasites. IgG antibodies can stay in the blood for a long time after an infection, so a positive result does not always mean you have an active infection at the time of testing. Your doctor will advise on next steps.
Yes, to a degree. IgM antibodies appear during an active or recent infection, while IgG antibodies persist long after the infection has passed. By checking both, the test gives your doctor a clearer picture of the likely timeline of exposure.
A positive result means further evaluation by your doctor is needed. Additional tests or a clinical examination may be recommended to confirm the diagnosis and decide on appropriate care. Early detection is important to prevent complications.
Filariasis is not passed directly from person to person. The parasite requires a mosquito as an intermediate host. When an infected mosquito bites a person, it can transmit filarial larvae into the bloodstream. Avoiding mosquito bites is the key protective measure.
Results are typically ready within one day of the laboratory receiving your sample. At Lupin Diagnostics, your report is shared digitally via email or WhatsApp, so you can access it quickly from anywhere.
Filarial Antibody Test: Booking, Price, and Results
