How to Test for Parasites in the Intestines

Intestinal parasites are a type of infection that can be very troubling, as they rarely cause such symptoms as a fever. In addition, these infectious agents will not respond to most antibacterial and anti-viral drugs. These types of parasites can be obtained by drinking contaminated water, through accidentally ingesting feces, or even just from contact with an infected person. In some cases, the parasite can be contracted simply by stepping on it with bare feet.

Things You'll Need

• Microscope

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Instructions

How to test for Parasites in the Intestines

• 1

  Look at the symptoms. Intestinal parasites cause certain characteristic symptoms, such as pain in the abdomen, diarrhea (especially bloody), a rash around the anus or the actual presence of a worm in the stool. These symptoms will usually cause suspicion of an intestinal parasite.

• 2

  Examine the feces. Under a microscope, certain parasites--especially protozoa or helminths--can be identified from a stool sample. Often multiple stool samples will need to be checked for a definitive diagnosis.

• 3

  Perform the "string" test. With the string test, a string is passed down the esophagus and allowed to remain in the stomach for about an hour or so, after which it is pulled back up and examined. This can allow a professional to look for parasites that may have been ingested.

• 4

  Perform the Scotch tape test. Pinworms can be detected by placing a piece of tape next to and on the anus several times and then removing it. The tape can then be checked for pinworm eggs under a microscope.

• 5

  Examine a barium-x-ray. In some cases, a physician may have a patient consume a barium solution and then perform x-rays to look for more serious parasitic damage.

• 6

  Give anti-parasite medications. Even if all of the above tests are negative, the disappearance of intestinal symptoms after the administration of certain drugs, such as Flagyl and Vermox, may signal that an intestinal parasite was present.