【SUMMARY】
The lymphatic filariasis known as Elephantiasis, mainly caused by W. bancrofti and B. malayi, affects about 120 million people over 80 countries . The disease is transmitted to humans by the bites of infected mosquitoes within which the microflariae sucked from an infected human subject develops into third-stage larvae. Generally, repeated and prolonged exposure to infected larvae is required for establishment of human infection.
The definitive parasitologic diagnosis is the demonstration of microflariae in blood samples . However, this gold standard test is restricted by the requirement for nocturnal blood collection and lack of adequate sensitivity. Detection of circulating antigens is commercially available. Its usefulness is limited for W. bancrofti 4 . In addition, microfilaremia and antigenemia develop from months to years after exposure.
Antibody detection provides an early means to detect filarial parasite infection. Presence of IgM to the parasite antigens suggest current infection, whereas, IgG corresponds to late stage of infection or past infection 5 . Furthermore, identification of conserved antigens allows ‘pan- filaria’ test to be applicable. Utilization of recombinant proteins eliminates cross-reaction with
individuals having other parasitic diseases 6 . The Filariasis Rapid Test uses conserved recombinant antigens to simultaneously detect antibody to the W. bancrofti and B. malayi parasites without the restriction on specimen collection.

【DIRECTIONS FOR USE】
Allow the test, specimen, buffer and/or controls to reach room temperature (15-30°C)prior to testing.
1. Bring the pouch to room temperature before opening it. Remove the test cassette from the sealed pouch and use it as soon as possible. Best results will be obtained if the assay is performed within one hour.
2. Place the cassette on a clean and level surface.
For Serum or Plasma specimen: Hold the dropper vertically and transfer 1 drop of serum or plasma (approximately 40 ul) to the specimen area,then add 2 drops of buffer (approximately 80 mL),and start the timer, see illustration below.
For Venipuncture Whole Bloodspecimen: Hold the dropper vertically and transfer1 drop of whole blood (approximately 40 ul) to the specimen area, then add 2drops of buffer (approximately 80 ul ), and start the timer. See illustration below.
For Fingerstick Whole Bloodspecimen:
·To use a capillary tube: Fill the capillary tube and transfer approximately 40m mL of fingerstick whole blood specimen to the specimen area of test cassette, then add 2 drops of buffer (approximately 80 ul) aulnd start the timer. See illustration below.
·To use hanging drops: Allow 1 hanging drop of fingerstick whole blood specimen (approximately 40 ul ) to fall into the specimen area of test cassette, then add 2 drops of buffer (approximately 80 ul) and start the timer. See illustration below.
3. Wait for the colored line(s) to appear. Read the result at 15 minutes, do not interpret the result after 20 minutes.