Diagnosis
To diagnose Helminthiasis, your doctor will first study your symptoms and recommend tests accordingly.
The most common diagnostic tests for Helminthiasis include:
Stool test
Mature worms, whether it be roundworm, hookworm, or whipworm, reproduce in the intestines and lay eggs. These eggs travel through the digestive tract and come out in your stools. A stool test identifies the presence of these tiny eggs and larvae under the microscope. It may take more than one stool sample to confirm the diagnosis of worm infestation.
Blood test
Blood tests can help identify certain types of parasites in the intestine.
Tape test
Tape test, as the name suggests, involves placing a sterilized tape around the anal opening. The eggs or larvae stick to the tape and they can be identified under a microscope.
Colonoscopy
During a colonoscopy, a long thin tube with a camera is inserted into the large intestine through the rectum to give a clear view of the insides of the digestive tract. A colonoscopy is sometimes done in case your doctor is unable to confirm the presence of helminthiasis through other means such as stool exams and blood tests.
Imaging tests
Tests such as MRI, CT scan, X-Ray, can be used to detect the extent of organ damage caused by Helminths.
These are the most common methods of diagnosing Helminthiasis.
