DEC (diethylcarbamazine) provocation test

DEC (diethylcarbamazine) provocation test is used in the diagnosis of lymphatic filariasis
The usual method for confirming filariasis is by demonstrating microfilariae in night blood specimens ( due to the nocturnal periodicity)
In case it is not possible to obtain night blood specimens, DEC provocation test can be done
In this, 50-100 mg of DEC is given to a patient and a blood sample is taken 30-45 minutes later for looking for the presence of microfilariae
DEC is a drug used in the treatment of filariasis and it flushes out the microfilariae into the peripheral circulation
It is suggested that the sensitivity is comparable to that of testing with night blood specimens

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