There are two main tests for detecting heartworm infection; one test detects adult worms and the other detects microfilariae. Testing for Adult Worms: The American Heartworm Society recommends using the Heartworm Antigen Test as the primary method of testing for adult heartworm infection.
What does the heartworm antigen test for?
Antigen test: A test for heartworm antigen can detect proteins that are shed into the blood stream by an adult female worm; it takes about six months for a worm to reach this stage of maturity.
What type of test is most commonly used to detect heartworm?
Technicians in the serology section use the ELISA test to detect antigens that are associated with pregnant female heartworms. A positive result indicates adult female heartworms are present. This is the primary testing method used to detect heartworms.
What does a heartworm test consist of?
In order to perform the test, a small amount of blood is drawn from the dog's forearm or neck vein. This test detects the presence of the adult heartworm in the pulmonary arteries and / or the dog's heart. The heartworm antigen test is extremely accurate and is a very reliable method for diagnosing heartworm disease.
Which diagnostic test is used to detect canine heartworm infections?
immitis diagnosis in dogs is via the detection of heartworm antigen in blood using commercially available microwell-based enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs).
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