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 certain 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 certain 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 have to pass to detect worms?
To determine the presence of parasites, one analysis is not always enough, since at different stages of development, worms manifest themselves in their own way.
The main types of analyzes 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 spreading parasites among the population. It is considered mandatory when obtaining a medical book.
- By doctor's order. Analyzes are given if there are characteristic signs of helminthic invasion: nausea, itching in the anus, pain in the abdomen and fatigue.
To accurately determine the presence of worms, you will have to pass several tests. In addition, some of them pass several times.
Fecal analysis for parasites
Fecal analysis is the simplest analysis that is done 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 spread through the blood throughout the body. But, fortunately, most come out naturally.
For the analysis to be reliable, it is necessary:
- You need to pass up to 3 times. This is because the risk of swallowing eggs by a healthy person is high, although this does not mean that he will immediately become infected.
- Kal is given at a time interval of 7 days.
- Feces are 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 detected during the study, another analysis is not required.
Complete blood count to detect worms
Such a study is known to everyone since childhood. Basically, blood is taken from a finger, but sometimes from a vein. Research will quickly determine the cause of any disease.
Usually, a person does not suspect that he has worms. Therefore, it is important for the doctor to learn about the symptoms that are characteristic of infection.
This analysis is capable of:
- Determine the cause of the symptoms.
- Detect the presence of parasites in the blood.
- Confirm the presence of other pathologies.
There is an erroneous opinion that helminths live only in the gastrointestinal tract. In fact, many species, having penetrated the stomach, then seep into the bloodstream and spread throughout the body. This is not without serious consequences. Parasites leave a trace, which doctors reveal in the blood.
Hemotest
Finding information about this study is not easy, and the term itself is not familiar to many. In fact, for the patient, this is a procedure for donating blood for a general analysis. Differences in the laboratory studies themselves.
The task of the hemotest:
- Determination of the immunity of any products by the body.
- What is the reaction to them.
Basically, this study is prescribed by a doctor. Hemotest is able to detect parasites that could not be detected in another way. This study is considered the most reliable.
Various manipulations are performed on the blood taken from the patient. It is affected by biological and chemical substances, observing the reaction. It is different, and some indicates the presence of helminths.
Such a test is quite complicated and is not carried out in every clinic. The result is known after 2-5 days. In the presence of parasites, the test will give a positive reaction.
PCR analysis for the detection of worms
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 the presence of worms is suspected, then feces are used for research.
The detection of even a few fragments of parasite DNA in the biomaterial indicates helminthic 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 every clinic has 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 assay (ELISA) shows a change in antibodies in the blood. The study is great for identifying parasites.
It is divided into 2 stages:
- immune system response. Can bind molecules, microorganisms and cell 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 are detected, as well as the phases of their development.
This test allows:
- Determine the patient's immune status. When infected with parasites, the immune system is significantly weakened.
- Detects the presence in the blood of bacteria that caused a decrease in immunity.
By the way, this study is used to determine the blood type.
Giardia blood test
This analysis is considered the highest quality. It consists in enzyme immunoassay. The analysis determines the density of antibodies to worms of a given species.
When infected, IgM antibodies appear in the blood, and after 2 weeks - IgA and IgG.
The results of the study show Giardia infection up to 95%.
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.
scraping
A smear is taken to diagnose enterobiasis, that is, the presence of pinworms in the body.
Scraping is carried out in the following ways:
- Using a special spatula or a regular cotton swab.
- Using adhesive tape.
This test is considered more effective than a regular stool test. It can be done independently or in the clinic. You need to take a cotton swab or tape and make a smear in the anus.
Do not wash before the procedure. If the scraping is done at home, a spatula or adhesive tape (glued to the glass) is placed in an airtight container and taken to the laboratory. For a more accurate result, the analysis is given several times.
When and where should I be tested for worms?
Analyzes for parasites must be taken with obvious symptoms of helminthic invasion: With asthenia, digestive problems, sudden weight loss and dermatological diseases. In addition, diagnosis for the presence of helminths is necessary in situations where a person has been treated for a chronic illness for a long time, and recovery does not occur. Often, pathology is provoked not by physiological problems, but by the presence of parasites in the body.
Tests are mandatory for the following symptoms:
- Itching in the anus.
- Dysbacteriosis.
- Profuse salivation.
- Pale skin.
- Urinary incontinence.
- Constipation turning into diarrhoea.
- Pain syndrome in the abdomen of various localization.
- In women, the menstrual cycle is disrupted.
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 done to detect parasites?
Basically, one analysis is enough to detect worms in the body.
Recommended:
- Pass cal.
- Make a scraping.
Verification of these analyzes is carried out 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 therapeutic program.
Preparing for tests to detect worms
It should be noted that no special training is required. But there are some guidelines and limitations.
They are as follows:
- Before passing the analysis, it is necessary to eat mainly light food or refuse it altogether.
- You must stop taking the medication 3 days before the test. Some components of drugs can distort the result of the study.
Be sure to inform the doctor about the existing diseases. This also applies to pressure surges, possible fainting and weak blood clotting.
Every person who cares about his health must be checked for the presence of worms. Helminthiasis is considered a dangerous disease. Worms absorb 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.