Filaria Antigen Test: Booking, Price, and Results
About Filaria Antigen Test
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Also Known As | Filarial Antigen Test, Circulating Filarial Antigen (CFA) Test, Filariasis Antigen Test, W. bancrofti Antigen Test |
| Sample Type | Whole blood |
| Fasting Required | No fasting required |
| Report Time | 1 day |
| Recommended For | All ages and genders; particularly those in filaria-endemic regions |
| Price | Starting at ₹360 |
What is a Filaria Antigen Test?
The filaria antigen test detects proteins released by adult filarial worms circulating in the blood. It is used to confirm an active infection with Wuchereria bancrofti, the parasite responsible for lymphatic filariasis. Doctors typically order this test for patients showing signs of lymphatic swelling or living in regions where filariasis is common. It is also referred to as the filarial antigen test, circulating filarial antigen (CFA) test, filariasis antigen test, or W. bancrofti antigen test. A small whole blood sample collected in an EDTA tube is all that is needed.
What Does a Filaria Antigen Test Measure?
The test looks for one specific marker in the blood. Here is what it detects and why it matters.
| Parameter | What It Detects | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Circulating Filarial Antigen (CFA) | A protein secreted by adult female filarial worms living in the lymphatic vessels | Indicates an active W. bancrofti infection; one of the earliest detectable markers of infection |
The test uses an immunochromatography method, which rapidly identifies whether these proteins are present or absent in your blood sample.
Why is a Filaria Antigen Test Done?
A doctor may recommend this test based on a patient's symptoms, travel history, or residence in a known filaria-endemic area.
Common Symptoms That May Require This Test
The following symptoms are common reasons a doctor may order a filaria antigen test:
- Swelling of the legs, arms, breasts, or genitals (a condition called lymphoedema)
- Swelling in the scrotal sac in men (known as hydrocele)
- Thickening or hardening of the skin
- Persistent cough, wheezing, or shortness of breath
- Recurring bacterial infections of the skin or lymph nodes
- General fatigue in individuals living in or returning from endemic regions
Conditions This Test Can Help Detect
This test can help identify several conditions linked to filarial infection:
- Lymphatic filariasis caused by Wuchereria bancrofti, Brugia malayi, or Brugia timori
- Hydrocele and lymphoedema resulting from damage to the lymphatic vessels
- Tropical pulmonary eosinophilia (TPE), a lung condition marked by fever, nocturnal cough, and wheezing
Filaria Antigen Test for Chronic Disease Monitoring
The filaria antigen test is also used after treatment to track how well a patient has responded. Filarial antigen levels can persist in the blood for up to three years following treatment, even when the infection is no longer active. Regular testing helps doctors confirm whether the infection has been cleared or whether further treatment is needed.
How to Prepare and What to Expect
No special preparation is needed for this test, but a few simple steps will help ensure the process goes smoothly.
Do You Need to Fast?
No fasting is required for the filaria antigen test. You can eat and drink normally before sample collection. If your doctor has ordered other tests alongside this one, check whether those require fasting.
Practical Tips Before Your Test
Following these tips will help ensure an accurate result:
- Bring a detailed clinical history including your symptoms, previous test results, and family history, as this is required for the test.
- Tell your doctor or the phlebotomist about any medications you are currently taking, including any antiparasitic treatment.
- Drink adequate water before the test to stay well hydrated.
- Wear loose-fitting clothing with easy access to your arm for blood collection.
Step-by-Step Procedure
- A trained phlebotomist will confirm your details and review your clinical history before proceeding.
- They will select a suitable vein, usually in the crook of your elbow, and clean the area with an antiseptic swab.
- A small needle is used to draw approximately 3 ml of blood into an EDTA (lavender-top) tube.
- The needle is removed, and a cotton pad or bandage is applied to the site.
- Your blood sample is labelled and stored under refrigerated conditions (2 to 8°C) before being sent to the laboratory.
- The sample is tested using immunochromatography, and your report is prepared within 1 day.
Factors That Can Affect Accuracy
The following factors may influence the reliability of your results:
- Poor sample quality or improper storage during transport
- Ongoing antiparasitic treatment at the time of sample collection
- Very early-stage infection, where antigen levels may not yet be detectable
- Dehydration, which can affect blood sample quality
- Laboratory methodology and reagent quality
Understanding Your Filaria Antigen Test Results
Your results will indicate whether filarial antigen was detected in your blood. Always review your report with your doctor, who can place the findings in context of your symptoms and health history. The table below shows general reference results:
| Result | Interpretation |
|---|---|
| Negative (Not Detected) | No filarial antigen found; suggests no active infection at the time of testing |
| Positive (Detected) | Filarial antigen present; suggests an active W. bancrofti infection |
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
Certain situations can affect how your result is interpreted:
- Antigen levels can remain detectable in the blood for up to three years after successful treatment. A positive result does not always mean treatment has failed; your doctor will assess this alongside your overall response to therapy.
- In patients with tropical pulmonary eosinophilia (TPE), the filarial antigen test may still return a positive result even when microfilariae are absent from the blood.
- The CFA test detects only W. bancrofti; if a Brugia species infection is suspected, antibody-based testing is required instead.
How to Maintain Healthy Levels
These general preventive steps can reduce the risk of filarial infection:
- Sleep under mosquito nets, particularly in areas where filariasis is common.
- Use insect repellent and wear clothing that covers exposed skin, especially at dusk and dawn.
- If you live in an endemic region, participate in mass drug administration programmes recommended by health authorities.
Lupin Diagnostics Filaria Antigen Test Price and Home Collection
The filaria antigen test cost at Lupin Diagnostics starts at ₹360, and home collection is available across major Indian cities. The table below shows approximate prices in key cities.
| City | Approximate Price (₹) |
|---|---|
| BHOPAL | 360 |
| CHENNAI | 360 |
| HYDERABAD | 360 |
| KOLKATA | 360 |
| NAVI MUMBAI | 360 |
| PUNE | 360 |
Prices are indicative and may vary by location. Please confirm the current price at the time of booking.
How to Book
- Select the Filaria Antigen 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 1 day.
Home Collection
Filaria antigen test home collection is available across cities, making it easy for patients to get tested without travelling to a centre. All samples are processed in NABL-accredited Lupin Diagnostics laboratories. Your digital report is delivered securely to your email or WhatsApp account once ready.
Frequently Asked Questions
The filaria antigen test is used to detect an active Wuchereria bancrofti infection in the blood. It is recommended for people living in or returning from filaria-endemic regions who show symptoms such as limb swelling, hydrocele, or persistent respiratory symptoms. It is also used to monitor treatment response after antiparasitic therapy.
No, fasting is not required. You can eat and drink as usual before your appointment. However, always follow any specific instructions provided by your laboratory or doctor.
No. The circulating filarial antigen (CFA) test specifically identifies Wuchereria bancrofti infection. There is no antigen test available for Brugia species; antibody-based testing is required for those infections.
Filariasis is not passed directly between people. The infection is transmitted through the bite of an infected mosquito. The mosquito picks up larval worms from an infected person and transfers them to a new host during a subsequent bite.
Results are typically ready within 1 day of sample collection at Lupin Diagnostics. You will receive your report digitally via email or WhatsApp.
Yes. A positive result may sometimes persist for up to three years after successful treatment, even when no live worms remain. This is because filarial antigens stay in circulation for an extended period after the infection is cleared. Your doctor will review your result alongside your symptoms and treatment history before drawing any conclusions.
The test involves a standard blood draw, which most people find only mildly uncomfortable. A small needle is inserted briefly into a vein, and the procedure takes just a few minutes. Any minor soreness at the collection site usually resolves quickly.
Filaria Antigen Test: Booking, Price, and Results
