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→Laboratory Tests
===Laboratory Tests===
===Laboratory Tests===
he antigen detection test is the preferred diagnostic method for asymptomatic dogs or when seeking verification of a suspected HW infection. This is the most sensitive diagnostic method available to veterinary practitioners. Even in areas where the prevalence of HW infection is high, ~20% of infected dogs may not be microfilaremic. Also, monthly macrolide prophylaxis induces embryo stasis in female dirofilariae.
Available antigen detection tests are very sensitive and specific. To determine when testing might become useful, it is advisable to add a predetection period to the approximate date on which infection may have been possible. A reasonable interval is 7 mo. There is generally no need to test a dog for antigen or microfilariae prior to ~7 mo of age. The level of antigenemia is directly related to the number of mature female worms present. At least 90% of dogs harboring ≥3 adult females will test positive. In general, strong-quick positive reactions correlate with relatively high worm burdens. For low-burden suspects, commercial laboratory-based microwell titer tests are the most sensitive.
===Pathology===
===Pathology===