Stool Test for Parasites and Infection

What are the signs and symptoms of a parasitic bowel infection?

A parasitic bowel infection is an infection of the intestines caused by parasites, such as worms or protozoa. Symptoms include diarrhoea, abdominal pain, and nausea. Around 600,000,000 new cases of Cryptosporidum and a further 200,000,000 cases of Giardia will be diagnosed in men and women in the world every year. These parasitic infections are the most commonly diagnosed parasitic bowel infections in the world. They can be easily diagnosed by measuring the organisms and their eggs in the stool sample. In addition, Pin worms and other helminths (worm like organisms) are a common parasite, and an infection with these organisms will often lead to weight loss, abdominal pain, and severe itching around the anus .

How can a parasitic bowel infection be tested?

Our parasitic bowel infection test identifies possible signs of parasites and other infections. The test is able to detect the eggs and the organisms themselves in your faeces (poo) which you would not normally be able to see or be aware of. You will be required to provide a stool sample. Once we have your stool sample it will be sent to our accredited laboratory for fast and accurate analysis.

What are the symptoms of a parasitic bowel infection?

The symptoms of a parasitic infection can include any of the following points listed below. However, it is also possible that you will not experience any severe symptoms but if you have been in an area where parasites are common, have been swimming in dirty water, eaten foods which might have been contaminated, then a test would be a sensible next step.

Symptoms of a parasitic bowel infection

• Diarrhoea
• Abdominal pain
• Nausea or vomiting
• Gas or bloating
• Dysentery (loose stools containing blood and mucus)
• Rash or itching around the rectum or vulva
• Feeling tired
• Weight loss

What tests will you run on my sample?

• Microscopic examination of your sample to detect the organisms, and their eggs
• This test will also culture your sample to identify any other sources of infection

What happens if my parasitic bowel infection test results are positive?

If your parasitic bowel infection test results are positive you should see a doctor. A positive result may indicate that you are infected with one of the common parasites that infect the human digestive tract. Better2Know can organise private consultations across the country with our network of skilled doctors.

How can I book my parasitic bowel infection test?

To book your test, please click "Get Started" or call Better2Know on the number above. A member of our dedicated Patient Services team will be available to answer any questions and organise your booking. Better2Know provides a wide range of screens and health tests across the country. For your convenience, our welcoming and experienced team are available 24/7.

Description provided by Better2Know.