Who should take the test?

Parasites are organisms that derive nourishment and protection from other living organisms known as hosts. There are many types of parasites: worms that are large and thus visible as well as unicellular parasites that we cannot see. The human intestine serves as a habitat for lots of different parasites. In many cases, infection takes place on vacation in tropical regions, however, parasites can also find their way into our bodies in our latitudes, e.g. by insufficiently cooked, infected meat.

The symptoms vary depending on the parasite and the infestation rate. Often an infestation takes place without symptoms for years or the symptoms are so unspecific that the actual cause of the complaint can’t be identified. This makes a diagnosis particularly difficult.

With our test, your stool sample is examined to determine a variety of parasites. Worm eggs will be determined by microscopic examination whereas various single-celled parasites will be determined by antigen tests. Larger and thus visible worms can not be detected by this method as they usually remain in the intestine and only their eggs are excreted with the stool.

The test analyzes the values of the following analytes:

• Worm eggs
• Cryptosporidium spec.
• Entamoeba histolytica
• Giardia lamblia
• Blastocystis hominis

With our Parasites Check your stool sample is examined to determine Worm eggs, Cryptosporidium spec., Entamoeba histolytica, Giardia lamblia, Blastocystis hominis.

Note: Fox tapeworm eggs are not released into the stool and therefore can not be determined by a stool test. Imaging procedures have to be performed in this case. The situation is similar to the one of oxyurae (Enterobius vermicularis): the eggs also do not appear in the stool as the worms deposit them directly on the perianal skin.

How does it work?

You collect the samples at home, send them back to us and we will provide you with your level of each analyte. You can then discuss these results with your doctor or practitioner, who can advise you on the further course of action and the various therapeutic options.

What will my results tell me?

If worm eggs are detected in your stool you will receive information about the exact species of the eggs or the associated worm. In very few cases, e.g. a very rare worm species from remote regions, it may happen that further investigations (for example at the nearest tropical institute) are required for a precise identification.

What guidance will I get along with my results?

We always recommend the discussion of the mailed results with your doctor or practitioner. Besides, further information is available on our website, especially in the different test categories, under “health conditions” and the FAQs. Still have questions? Then you can contact us by phone at +44 (0)20 3286 6316 or mail at contact@verisana.co.uk.