How to Diagnose Parasites in Humans

Parasites can be microscopic or clearly visible. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, there are three general types of parasites that can cause diseases. They are protozoa, helminths and ectoparasites. To treat you for parasites, your doctor must diagnose the specific parasite. He will perform tests based on your symptoms. You should not delay treatment for parasites as they can develop into serious illnesses and diseases.

Things You'll Need

• Stool specimen
• Blood specimen
• Serum/plasma specimen
• Other specimens (tissue, sputum, vaginal swab, urine)
• Endoscopy
• X-ray, MRI scan or CT scan

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Instructions

• 1

  Produce a stool specimen in a clean, dry container. The specimen will be examined to detect parasites that may cause diarrhea, cramping and gas. It may be necessary to collect three specimens on three different days.

• 2

  Allow a blood sample to be taken to check for parasites that can be found in your blood. Another type of blood test checks for antibodies that are present when you are infected with parasites.

• 3

  Allow a blood sample for serum/plasma to have immunodiagnostic tests performed.

• 4

  Submit to other types of specimen samples such as tissues, sputum, a vaginal swab or urine as requested by your physician.

• 5

  Allow your physician to do an endoscopy, an X-ray, an MRI scan or a CT scan if other diagnostic procedures are not conclusive.