Filarial antibody test
Quick answer: This test checks your blood for antibodies to filarial worms, which cause lymphatic filariasis. Doctors order it when there is limb swelling, fever or other signs that suggest filariasis.
- SampleBlood
- TakesAbout 5 minutes
- Before the testNo special preparation is usually needed.
How the test is done
- 1You sit and the skin over a vein is cleaned
- 2A needle draws blood into a tube
- 3The lab checks for antibodies to filarial worms
- 4Your doctor may also order a night-time blood smear or antigen test
What your results can mean
Reading your report
Antibodies can remain after past infection, so discuss your result with your doctor.
If the result is outside the usual range
A positive result can mean current or past filarial infection, but it cannot always tell the two apart. A negative result makes infection less likely.
Who usually has this test
People with limb or scrotal swelling, recurring fever with swollen glands, or lung symptoms with high eosinophils, especially in areas where filariasis is common.
Risks and aftercare
No aftercare is needed apart from watching the needle site.
Names and options
Also called: filaria antibody, filariasis test
Listed by the hospital as
- FILARIAL ANTIBODY, SERUM
Questions about this test
How is filariasis spread?
It is spread by mosquito bites. Using bed nets and preventing mosquito bites help reduce the risk.
Can the antibody test show past infection?
Yes. Antibodies can stay for a long time after infection, so a positive result does not always mean current infection.
What other tests are used for filariasis?
Doctors may use antigen tests or a blood smear, sometimes taken at night when the worms are more often in the blood.
Related tests
Tamara Hospital & IVF Centre, Rajajinagar
34/3, 10th Cross Road, opp. Vardhaka Sardar Patel School, 1st N Block, 2nd Stage, Rajajinagar, Bengaluru 560010
The hospital is open 24 hours. Call before you come to check the timing for your scan or sample collection.
Get directions ↗IVF Pulse fertility care at Tamara Hospital →
Reception
Waiting area
IVF lab
This page explains each test in general terms so you know what to expect. It is not medical advice: your doctor decides which tests you need and what your results mean. Reference ranges differ between laboratories. Updated 4 November 2026.