In the human body, many types of helminths can parasitize, so there are various tests to detect them. Each diagnostic event has its own percentage of reliability and is distinguished by some features of the implementation.
In the human body, many types of helminths can parasitize, so there are various tests to detect them. Each diagnostic event has its own percentage of reliability and is distinguished by some features of the implementation.
Fortunately, unique techniques have been developed to detect parasite infestation at an early stage and start treatment on time.
What tests will they have to pass to detect worms?
To determine the presence of parasites, an analysis is not always enough, since at different stages of development worms manifest themselves in their own way.
The main types of analysis are distinguished:
- Preventive. Allow timely detection of helminthiasis. This can be done, even in the absence of typical symptoms. It is recommended to conduct the study annually.
- Barrier. Reduce the risk of parasites spreading among the population. It is considered mandatory when obtaining a medical book.
- By order of the doctor. Analyzes are given if there are characteristic signs of helminthic invasion: nausea, itching in the anus, abdominal pain and fatigue.
To accurately determine the presence of worms, you will need to pass several tests. In addition, some of them pass several times.
Fecal analysis for parasites
Fecal analysis is the simplest analysis that is performed in any district clinic. The results show the presence of worm eggs in the stool. It is in it that the eggs of helminths are contained.
Mature individuals can lay thousands of eggs per day. Some of them are spread through the blood throughout the body. But, fortunately, most come out naturally.
For the analysis to be reliable, it is necessary:
- You have to go up to 3 times. This is because the risk of a healthy person swallowing eggs is high, even if that doesn't mean that they will get infected immediately.
- Kal is administered over a 7-day period.
- Stool is taken from different sites.
It is not necessary to collect material in the morning, this can be done in the evening, but it can be stored for no more than a day and in a cold place.
If a large number of eggs are found during the study, no further analysis is required.
Complete blood count to detect worms
Such a study is known to everyone from childhood. Basically, blood is drawn from a finger, but sometimes from a vein. Research will quickly determine the cause of any disease.
Usually, a person is not suspected of having worms. Therefore, it is important that the doctor becomes aware of the characteristic symptoms of the infection.
This analysis is able to:
- Determine the cause of the symptoms.
- Detect the presence of parasites in the blood.
- Confirm the presence of other pathologies.
There is a misconception that helminths only live in the gastrointestinal tract. Indeed, many species, after entering the stomach, enter the bloodstream and spread throughout the body. This is not without serious consequences. Parasites leave a trace, which doctors reveal in the blood.
Emotest
Finding information about this study is not easy and the term itself is not familiar to many. For the patient, in fact, it is a blood donation procedure for a general analysis. Differences in the laboratory studies themselves.
The task of the emotest:
- Determination of the immunity of any product by the organism.
- What is the reaction to them.
Basically, this study is prescribed by a doctor. Hemotest is capable of detecting parasites that could not otherwise be detected. This study is considered the most reliable.
Various manipulations are performed on the blood taken from the patient. It is influenced by biological and chemical substances, observing the reaction. It is different and some indicate the presence of helminths.
Such a test is quite complicated and is not performed in all clinics. The result is known after 2-5 days. In the presence of parasites, the test will give a positive reaction.
PCR analysis for worm detection
This diagnosis is considered an accurate and modern method of research. PCR analysis can detect the presence of bacteria, intracellular parasites and viruses. Blood and other body fluids are drawn for analysis. If worms are suspected, the feces are used for research.
Detection of even a few DNA fragments of the parasite in the biomaterial indicates a helminth invasion. PCR analysis is quite simple, the result is known after a few hours. This is facilitated by the use of special equipment. With this test, you can not conduct a lot of additional research, but quickly get the desired result.
Unfortunately, not all clinics have such equipment, and the cost of this analysis is quite high.
ELISA blood test for the detection of worms
The most popular and reliable analysis today, experts call the enzyme immunoassay for parasites.
The main purpose of this high-precision laboratory method is to detect antibodies to a particular type of parasite in the blood. Immunoglobulins (also called antibodies) are a natural reaction of the immune system and are intended to neutralize the negative agent.
An enzyme-linked immunosorbent test (ELISA) shows a change in the antibodies in the blood. Studying is great for identifying parasites.
It is divided into 2 phases:
- immune system response. It can bind molecules, microorganisms and cellular elements to be detected.
- enzymatic reaction. You can visually evaluate the results of the reaction.
Serological blood test
With the help of this laboratory method, infectious diseases and the stages of their development are detected.
This test allows:
- Determine the patient's immune status. In case of parasite infection, the immune system is significantly weakened.
- It detects the presence in the blood of bacteria that have caused a decrease in immunity.
By the way, this study is used to determine the blood group.
Giardia blood test
This analysis is considered the highest quality. It consists of an enzyme immunoassay. The analysis determines the density of antibodies against worms of a given species.
Once infected, IgM antibodies appear in the blood, and after 2 weeks - IgA and IgG.
The study results show up to 95% Giardia infection.
This analysis is also prescribed to evaluate the effectiveness of the treatment. If the number of parasites decreases, then the method of recovery is chosen correctly.
scrape
A smear is performed to diagnose enterobiasis, that is, the presence of pinworms in the body.
Scraping is done in the following ways:
- Using a special spatula or ordinary cotton swab.
- Using duct tape.
This test is considered more effective than a normal stool test. It can be done independently or in the clinic. You need to take a cotton ball or duct tape and make a stain in the anus.
Do not wash before the procedure. If the scraping is done at home, a putty knife or duct tape (glued to the glass) is placed in an airtight container and taken to the laboratory. For a more accurate result, the analysis is provided several times.
When and where should i be tested for worms?
Analyzes for parasites should be carried out with obvious symptoms of helminth invasion: with asthenia, digestive problems, sudden weight loss and dermatological diseases. In addition, the diagnosis for the presence of helminths is necessary in situations where a person has been treated for a long time for a chronic disease and healing does not occur. Often the pathology is provoked not by physiological problems, but by the presence of parasites in the body.
Tests are required for the following symptoms:
- Itching in the anus.
- Dysbacteriosis.
- abundant salivation.
- Pale skin.
- Urinary incontinence.
- Constipation which turns into diarrhea.
- Pain in the abdomen of various localization.
- In women, the menstrual cycle is interrupted.
The analysis is given:
- in the district clinic.
- In a medical research laboratory.
- In a private clinic.
The main thing is that the medical institution has the necessary equipment and qualified personnel.
What tests are performed to detect parasites?
Basically, one analysis is enough to detect worms in the body.
Advised:
- Pass cal.
- Do a scraping.
Verification of these analyzes is done quickly. In most cases, they are sufficient to identify parasites. Sometimes a blood test is prescribed, but this procedure is more complicated, painful and expensive.
The interpretation of the results is carried out by the attending physician. Based on the indicators, the specialist makes the final diagnosis and selects a treatment program.
Preparing for tests to detect worms
It should be noted that no special training is required. But there are some guidelines and limitations.
Are the following:
- Before passing the analysis, it is necessary to eat mainly light foods or to refuse them altogether.
- It is necessary to stop taking the drug 3 days before the test. Some components of the drugs can distort the result of the study.
Be sure to tell the doctor about existing diseases. This also applies to changes in blood pressure, possible fainting and weak blood clotting.
Any person who cares about their health should be checked for the presence of worms. Helminthiasis is considered a dangerous disease. Worms absorb the substances needed by the human body and release toxins. Therefore, it is desirable to identify parasites in a timely manner so that they do not have time to cause serious harm to health.