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What is the microfilaria test for dogs? Is it for heartworm?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

What does microfilaria test is all about ? Is it done to see the heart worm disease or to see what disease it is done ?

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Laura Johnson VMD

Veterinarian

Published on August 16th, 2018

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! The microfilaria tests to see if there are larvae in the blood stream. It tells us if the dog is infectious and guides treatment. Usually we do the microfilaria test after the dog is positive on the heart worm antigen test which tests for the adult female worm that is already present in the pulmonary artery. Have a good day!

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