Microfilaria - Blood, Tissue

2 x 6 mL blood in lavender top EDTA tube or
tissue snips (consult Microbiologist on Call for specific tissue collection instructions)

The Microbiologist on Call MUST be contacted at 770-3757 before collection.

Time of collection for blood microfilaria is critical and is dependent on the pathogen.
Required times of collection (dependent on pathogen):
1000-1600h or 2200-0400h. Consult with Microbiologist on Call to choose correct collection time.

CLS Microbiology MUST be notified of collection time and date.

Mix blood well. DO NOT centrifuge.
Transport all specimens for microfilaria STAT to CLS Microbiology.

The physician's phone number MUST appear on the requisition.
Patient history is required, including travel history:

• where
• when
• how long

and presence of eosinophilia.

Additional blood parasites: refer to Babesia, Malaria, Leishmania, and Trypanosomes.