Question 1

What is Hookworm Infection?

Accepted Answer

Hookworm infection is an intestinal parasitic disease caused by roundworms that attach to the small intestine lining and feed on blood. It is caused by the parasites Ancylostoma duodenale and Necator americanus that enter the body through contaminated soil contact with bare skin. The Ova & Parasites with Giardia Antigen Stool Test is the most important test for diagnosis because it directly detects hookworm eggs in stool samples.

Question 2

What causes hookworm infection?

Accepted Answer

Hookworm infection is caused by parasitic roundworms called Ancylostoma duodenale and Necator americanus. These parasites live in contaminated soil and penetrate human skin when you walk barefoot or come into contact with infected dirt. Once inside the body, the larvae travel through the bloodstream to the lungs, then migrate to the small intestine where they mature into adult worms that attach to the intestinal wall and feed on your blood.

Question 3

What is the best test for hookworm infection?

Accepted Answer

The Ova & Parasites with Giardia Antigen Stool Test is the most important test for hookworm infection because it directly detects hookworm eggs (ova) in your stool samples, providing definitive proof of active infection. This comprehensive stool analysis examines your fecal matter under a microscope to identify hookworm eggs and other intestinal parasites. The test is essential because hookworm symptoms like fatigue and abdominal pain can mimic many other conditions, so confirming the presence of parasite eggs is the only way to diagnose the infection accurately and start appropriate antiparasitic treatment.

Question 4

When should I get tested for hookworm infection?

Accepted Answer

You should get tested if you have persistent fatigue, unexplained anemia, abdominal pain, or diarrhea, especially after traveling to tropical or subtropical regions. Testing is also important if you recently walked barefoot in areas with poor sanitation, work with soil regularly in endemic regions, or notice an itchy rash on your feet where the larvae may have entered. Early detection through stool testing prevents serious complications like severe iron-deficiency anemia and malnutrition that develop when the worms feed on your blood for extended periods.

Question 5

What are the symptoms of hookworm infection?

Accepted Answer

Hookworm infection symptoms include persistent fatigue and weakness due to anemia, abdominal pain and cramping, loss of appetite, and diarrhea. You might notice an itchy rash called ground itch where the larvae entered through your skin, usually on your feet. As the infection progresses and the worms feed on your blood, you may experience more severe anemia symptoms like pale skin, shortness of breath, and difficulty concentrating. Some people also have nausea, weight loss, and protein deficiency from prolonged blood loss.

Question 6

Who is at risk for hookworm infection?

Accepted Answer

People living in or traveling to tropical and subtropical regions with poor sanitation are at highest risk for hookworm infection. Those who walk barefoot outdoors, work in agriculture, or have contact with contaminated soil face increased exposure. Children playing in dirt, individuals living in poverty without access to proper toilets, and people in areas where human feces is used as fertilizer also have elevated risk. The infection is particularly common in rural communities in developing countries across Africa, Asia, and Latin America.

Question 7

What happens if hookworm infection is left untreated?

Accepted Answer

Untreated hookworm infection leads to chronic iron-deficiency anemia because the worms continuously feed on your blood, sometimes consuming up to 0.2 mL daily per worm. This severe anemia causes extreme fatigue, heart problems, and in children, can result in stunted growth, delayed cognitive development, and impaired school performance. Prolonged infection also causes protein malnutrition, weakened immune function, and intestinal inflammation. Pregnant women with untreated hookworm face higher risks of complications including low birth weight babies and maternal anemia.

Question 8

Can hookworm infection be diagnosed with a blood test?

Accepted Answer

Hookworm infection cannot be definitively diagnosed with a blood test alone. The gold standard diagnosis requires a stool test like the Ova & Parasites with Giardia Antigen test that directly identifies hookworm eggs in your fecal samples. However, blood tests can reveal secondary effects of the infection such as iron-deficiency anemia, low hemoglobin levels, and elevated eosinophils (a type of white blood cell that increases with parasitic infections). Blood work is useful for assessing the severity of anemia caused by hookworm but cannot confirm the parasite presence without stool analysis.

Question 9

How is hookworm infection treated?

Accepted Answer

Hookworm infection is treated with antiparasitic medications called anthelmintics, most commonly albendazole or mebendazole taken orally for 1-3 days. These medications kill the adult worms in your intestines, which are then expelled in your stool. If you have significant anemia from the infection, your doctor will also prescribe iron supplements to restore healthy blood iron levels and may recommend vitamin supplements. Follow-up stool testing is typically done 2-4 weeks after treatment to confirm the parasites have been eliminated. Most people recover fully with proper treatment.

Question 10

How can I prevent hookworm infection?

Accepted Answer

Prevent hookworm infection by always wearing shoes outdoors, especially in areas with poor sanitation or tropical climates where the parasites thrive in soil. Avoid direct skin contact with soil that might be contaminated with human feces, and teach children not to play barefoot in dirt. Use proper sanitation facilities and ensure human waste is disposed of safely rather than used as fertilizer. When traveling to endemic regions, stay in accommodations with proper sewage systems, and wash hands thoroughly before eating. Improved community sanitation and education are the most effective long-term prevention strategies.

Question 11

What can I do at home for hookworm infection?

Accepted Answer

While home remedies cannot cure hookworm infection and medical treatment with antiparasitic drugs is essential, you can support your recovery by eating iron-rich foods like lean red meat, spinach, beans, and fortified cereals to combat anemia. Stay hydrated and maintain good nutrition with protein-rich foods to help your body heal. Practice excellent hygiene by washing hands frequently and keeping your living environment clean to prevent reinfection. Wear shoes at all times, even indoors if you have dirt floors, and wash clothing and bedding in hot water. Always consult a healthcare provider for proper diagnosis and prescription medication.

Question 12

How’s this work?

Accepted Answer

Getting your blood test with us is easy, private & backed by the power of science.Long story short:
            
                In the test options, use the filters or search box to narrow your choices and find the test you want.
                If you need a hand navigating through options, text our super friendly support team at 754-799-7833, and we'll provide tailored suggestions to help you find the ideal test.
                Once your order is placed, we’ll create your doctor’s lab order remotely, without any need for you to make a trip to a doctor in person or to talk to the doctor. Expect to receive your doctor’s lab order right in your inbox. It will also be in your patient portal if you need to find it later. We’ll also include instructions regarding fasting and other requirements for your test. Your patient portal will be auto-created hassle-free during checkout.
                If this is your first time ordering, you'll be prompted to create a password for instant login access to your patient portal. It's a quick way to conveniently access your orders and results whenever you want.
                When you’re ready, visit one of our 4,000 locations. Just bring your ID – no printing or faxing of your lab order is needed, as your order and details will already be in the lab system.
                Note that most lab locations don’t accept walk-ins, so it’s best to book an appointment in advance. Don’t worry – we’ll provide detailed instructions along the way.
                You’ll get your results via email & SMS and dive into understanding your body better. Yup, that easy!
                If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com and we'll gladly help you.

Question 13

How do I know which test to get?

Accepted Answer

In the test options, find the test you want.
            If you’re not sure which test to get, we can lend a hand in finding the right option.
            Just text or call us at 754-799-7833, email us at support@privatemdlabs.com, and we'll gladly help you. We've got your back and reply quickly.

Question 14

When will my lab results be available?

Accepted Answer

Most test results will be available within 1–3 business days. Once they're ready, we'll send an email and text message to let you know.
            After your blood draw, just hang tight and don't worry – we'll keep you updated and in the loop!
            If you have any further questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com, and we'll gladly help you.

Question 15

Is it possible to make changes to my lab order if I made a mistake with the name, date of birth, or any other details?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely! We totally understand that errors can happen. No worries, we're here to help you.
            Just reach out to us via text at 754-799-7833 or shoot us an email at
            support@privatemdlabs.com. Remember to include your order number and let us know the correct information you’d like to update.
            Our awesome team will jump right in and make sure everything is sorted out and accurate for you.
            There are no changes necessary if your address is wrong on the requisition though. We don’t mail anything out.
            Our lab requires an address to be listed to generate an order.

Question 16

Do you accept health insurance?

Accepted Answer

Only HSA & FSA is accepted.
            Our services are strictly self-pay and cannot be submitted to your health insurance provider except for Health Savings Accounts or Flexible Savings Accounts.
            This policy applies to all insurance companies, including federal health insurance programs like Medicare.
            If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com.

Question 17

Can I cancel my order?

Accepted Answer

Yes.
            We get it – sometimes your needs change.
            As long as your samples haven’t been collected yet, we’re happy to help you cancel your order.
            If you have any further questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com.
            You can read more about our cancellation policy here.

Question 18

How can I find a lab location near me?

Accepted Answer

During the ordering process, you’ll be able to select a specific lab near you, with no strings attached!
            You can switch it up later easily and visit any of our authorized locations as long as it’s the same lab company you selected your test for (Quest Diagnostics or Labcorp).
            Before you proceed with your order, feel free to browse through all our lab locations here. This will give you the peace of mind of knowing that there's a lab nearby your home, office or your favorite gym.
            If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com and we'll gladly help you.

Hookworm Infection Blood Test

What is Hookworm Infection?

What causes hookworm infection?

What is the best test for hookworm infection?

When should I get tested for hookworm infection?

References

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