Many types of helminths can be parasitized in the human body, so various tests are performed to detect them. Each diagnostic event has its own percentage of reliability and differs in certain features of its implementation.
Many types of helminths can be parasitized in the human body, so various tests are performed to detect them. Each diagnostic event has its own percentage of reliability and differs in certain features of its implementation.
Fortunately, unique methods have been developed to detect parasitic infections at an early stage and begin treatment in a timely manner.
What tests are needed to detect worms?
One analysis is not always enough to determine the presence of parasites, because at different stages of development, worms manifest themselves in a unique way.
The main types of analyzes are distinguished:
- Prophylactic. Allow for early detection of helminthiasis. This can be done even in the absence of typical symptoms. It is recommended that the study be conducted annually.
- obstacle. Reduce the risk of parasites spreading among the population. It is mandatory when buying a medical book.
- On the doctor's instructions. Tests are given when there are characteristic signs of helminthic infestation: nausea, itching in the anus, abdominal pain and fatigue.
You will need to pass several tests to determine the exact presence of worms. In addition, some pass several times.
Fecal analysis for parasites
Fecal analysis is the simplest test performed in any district clinic. The results show that there are worm eggs in the stool. It contains helminth eggs.
Adults can lay thousands of eggs a day. Some of them spread throughout the body through the blood. But fortunately, most come out naturally.
For the analysis to be reliable, the following is required:
- Need to pass up to 3 times. Because a healthy person has a higher risk of swallowing an egg, although this does not mean that he will be infected immediately.
- The rest is given within 7 days.
- Feces are taken from different places.
It is not necessary to collect material in the morning, it can be done in the evening, but it can be stored in a cool place for no more than a day.
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 since childhood. Blood is drawn mainly from a finger and sometimes from a vein. Research will quickly determine the cause of any disease.
Usually, humans do not suspect the presence of worms. Therefore, it is important for the doctor to study the symptoms that are characteristic of the infection.
It can analyze:
- 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 live only in the gastrointestinal tract. In fact, many species penetrate the stomach, then leak into the bloodstream and spread throughout the body. This is not without serious consequences. Parasites leave a mark on the blood that doctors find.
Hemotest
Information about this research is not easy to find, and the term itself is unfamiliar to many. In fact, for the patient, it is a blood donation procedure for general analysis. Differences in laboratory studies themselves.
The task of the hemotest:
- Determination of immunity of any product by the organism.
- How to react to them.
Basically, this research is prescribed by a doctor. Hemotest can detect parasites that cannot be detected by any other method. This research is considered the most reliable.
Various manipulations are performed on the blood taken from the patient. It is affected by biological and chemical substances by observing the reaction. This is different, and some indicate the presence of helminths.
Such a test is very complicated and is not performed in every clinic. The result will be known in 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 research method. PCR analysis is able to detect the presence of bacteria, intracellular parasites and viruses. Blood and other body fluids are taken for analysis. If you suspect the presence of worms, feces are used for research.
The discovery of even a few parasitic DNA fragments in the biomaterial indicates the presence of helminthic infestation. PCR analysis is very simple, the result is known after a few hours. This is facilitated by the use of special equipment. With this test, you can not do a lot of additional research, but you can quickly get the desired result.
Unfortunately, not every clinic has such equipment, and the cost of this analysis is quite high.
ELISA blood test for worms
Today, the most popular and reliable analysis, experts call the enzyme immunoassay for parasites.
The main purpose of this high-precision laboratory method is to detect antibodies against a particular type of parasite in the blood. Immunoglobulins (also called antibodies) are a natural reaction of the immune system and are designed to neutralize a negative agent.
Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) shows changes in antibodies in the blood. Research is great for identifying parasites.
It is divided into 2 stages:
- immune system reaction. 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, as well as their stages of development are detected.
This test allows:
- Determine the patient's immune status. When infected with parasites, the immune system is significantly weakened.
- Detects the presence of bacteria in the blood that cause a decrease in immunity.
By the way, this study is used to determine blood type.
Giardia blood test
This analysis is considered the highest quality. This enzyme consists of an immunoassay. The test determines the density of antibodies against a particular type of worm.
When infected, IgM antibodies appear in the blood, and after 2 weeks - IgA and IgG.
The results of the study show up to 95% of Giardia infections.
This test is also prescribed to assess the effectiveness of treatment. If the number of parasites decreases, then the method of recovery is chosen correctly.
scratch
A swab is taken to diagnose enterobiasis, ie the presence of pinworms in the body.
Compression is performed in the following ways:
- Using a special spatula or an ordinary cotton swab.
- Using adhesive tape.
This test is considered more effective than a regular stool test. It can be done independently or in a clinic. You need to take a cotton swab or ribbon and make a smear in the anus.
Do not wash before the procedure. If the leak is made at home, a spatula or adhesive tape (glued to the glass) is placed in an airtight container and taken to the laboratory. For more accurate results, the analysis is given several times.
When and where should I be tested for worms?
Tests for parasites should be performed with obvious signs of helminthic invasion: Asthenia, digestive problems, sudden weight loss and dermatological diseases. In addition, the presence of helminths is necessary in cases where a person has been treated for a chronic illness for a long time and has not recovered. It is often triggered not by pathological physiological problems, but by the presence of parasites in the body.
Tests are mandatory for the following symptoms:
- Itching in the anus.
- Dysbacteriosis.
- Plenty of saliva.
- Pale skin.
- Urinary incontinence.
- Constipation turns into diarrhea.
- Pain in the abdomen of various localizations.
- In women, the menstrual cycle is disrupted.
The analysis is given:
- at the district clinic.
- In the 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, an analysis is enough to detect worms in the body.
Recommendation:
- cal passes.
- Make a crumb.
Verification of these analyzes is carried out quickly. In most cases, they are sufficient to identify parasites. Sometimes a blood test is prescribed, but the procedure is more complicated, painful, and expensive.
Interpretation of the results is carried out by the attending physician. Based on the indications, the specialist makes a final diagnosis and selects a therapeutic program.
Preparation for tests to detect worms
It should be noted that no special training is required. But there are some rules and restrictions.
They are:
- Before going through the analysis, it is necessary to eat mainly light food or to give it up completely.
- You should stop taking the drug 3 days before the test. Some components of the drug may distort the results of the study.
Be sure to tell your doctor about any illnesses you may have. This includes increased blood pressure, possible fainting and poor blood clotting.
Everyone who cares about their health should be checked for worms. Helminthiasis is considered a dangerous disease. Worms absorb substances needed by the human body and release toxins. Therefore, it is advisable to identify parasites in a timely manner so that they do not have time to cause serious damage to health.