Question 1

What is Parasitic Infection?

Accepted Answer

Parasitic infections occur when harmful organisms like protozoa and helminths invade the body through contaminated food, water, or infected surfaces. They are caused by specific parasites including Giardia lamblia, Entamoeba histolytica, and various intestinal worms that disrupt normal digestive function. The Ova & Parasites with Giardia Antigen stool test is the most important test for diagnosis because it uses concentration techniques to detect parasitic eggs and larvae.

Question 2

What causes parasitic infections?

Accepted Answer

Parasitic infections are caused by specific organisms including Giardia lamblia, Entamoeba histolytica, Cryptosporidium, and various helminths like roundworms, hookworms, and tapeworms. These parasites enter your body primarily through contaminated food or water, contact with infected surfaces, or in some cases through insect bites or contact with infected soil. Once inside your digestive system, these organisms attach to your intestinal walls and reproduce, disrupting normal digestive function and nutrient absorption while causing inflammation and other symptoms.

Question 3

What is the best test for parasitic infections?

Accepted Answer

The Ova & Parasites with Giardia Antigen stool test is the most important test for parasitic infections because it uses specialized concentration and permanent smear techniques to detect parasitic eggs, larvae, and specific antigens that might be missed in standard stool examinations. This comprehensive test specifically identifies Giardia lamblia through antigen detection while also screening for a wide range of other intestinal parasites including protozoa and helminths. Multiple stool samples collected over several days may be recommended because parasites do not shed eggs or cysts consistently, and this approach significantly increases the likelihood of accurate detection and proper diagnosis.

Question 4

When should I get tested for parasitic infections?

Accepted Answer

You should get tested if you experience persistent diarrhea lasting more than a few days, unexplained abdominal cramping or bloating, nausea with weight loss, or notice mucus or blood in your stool. Testing is especially important if you have recently traveled to areas with poor sanitation, consumed untreated water from lakes or streams, or been exposed to contaminated food sources. You should also consider testing if multiple family members develop similar digestive symptoms, as parasitic infections can spread through household contact and shared surfaces.

Question 5

What are the symptoms of parasitic infections?

Accepted Answer

Parasitic infections cause persistent diarrhea or loose stools, abdominal cramping and bloating, nausea and vomiting, and unexplained weight loss. You might notice mucus or blood in your stool, experience excessive gas, or feel unusually fatigued even with adequate rest. Some people develop itching around the anal area, particularly at night with pinworm infections, while others experience flu-like symptoms including low-grade fever and general malaise. Symptoms can range from mild to severe depending on the type of parasite and your immune system strength.

Question 6

Who is at risk for parasitic infections?

Accepted Answer

International travelers to developing countries with poor sanitation are at highest risk, particularly those visiting tropical and subtropical regions. People who drink untreated water from lakes, streams, or wells, handle animals regularly, or work in childcare facilities face increased exposure. Immunocompromised individuals, including those with HIV/AIDS or undergoing chemotherapy, are more susceptible to severe infections. Food service workers, hikers and campers who drink from natural water sources, and people living in crowded conditions with shared bathroom facilities also have elevated risk.

Question 7

What happens if parasitic infections are left untreated?

Accepted Answer

Untreated parasitic infections can lead to chronic malabsorption and severe nutritional deficiencies, including deficiencies in vitamins A, B12, and iron, resulting in anemia and fatigue. Some parasites cause intestinal inflammation and damage that persists even after the infection clears, leading to conditions like irritable bowel syndrome. In severe cases, certain parasites can migrate beyond the intestines to the liver, lungs, or brain, causing serious complications including abscesses and seizures. Chronic infections also weaken your immune system and increase susceptibility to other illnesses while potentially spreading the infection to family members and close contacts.

Question 8

Can parasitic infections be diagnosed with a blood test?

Accepted Answer

While stool testing is the primary method for diagnosing most intestinal parasitic infections, blood tests can detect certain parasites and measure immune responses to parasitic infections. Blood tests are particularly useful for diagnosing parasites that migrate through tissues like Toxoplasma, Trichinella, and some tropical parasites, as they measure antibodies your body produces in response to infection. However, the Ova & Parasites stool test remains essential for detecting intestinal parasites because it directly identifies the organisms, their eggs, and larvae in your digestive tract where most parasites reside.

Question 9

How are parasitic infections treated?

Accepted Answer

Parasitic infections are treated with specific antiparasitic medications chosen based on the type of parasite identified through testing. Common medications include metronidazole or tinidazole for Giardia and other protozoa, albendazole or mebendazole for intestinal worms, and nitazoxanide for Cryptosporidium. Treatment duration typically ranges from a single dose to several weeks depending on the parasite and infection severity. Your healthcare provider may also recommend probiotics to restore healthy gut bacteria and nutritional supplements to address deficiencies caused by the infection, along with follow-up testing to confirm the parasites have been eliminated.

Question 10

How can I prevent parasitic infections?

Accepted Answer

Prevent parasitic infections by practicing thorough hand washing with soap and water, especially before eating and after using the bathroom or changing diapers. Always drink treated or bottled water when traveling internationally and avoid consuming raw or undercooked meat, fish, and shellfish. Wash all fruits and vegetables thoroughly, particularly those that will be eaten raw, and avoid swallowing water while swimming in lakes, rivers, or pools. Maintain good hygiene practices, properly dispose of pet waste, and teach children not to put dirt or objects from the ground in their mouths.

Question 11

What can I do at home for parasitic infections?

Accepted Answer

While medical treatment is necessary to eliminate parasites, you can support recovery at home by staying well-hydrated with clean water and electrolyte solutions to replace fluids lost through diarrhea. Eat easily digestible foods like bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast while avoiding dairy, caffeine, alcohol, and high-fiber foods that may worsen digestive symptoms. Probiotics containing Saccharomyces boulardii and Lactobacillus species may help restore healthy gut bacteria and reduce diarrhea duration. Maintain strict hygiene by washing hands frequently, disinfecting bathroom surfaces, washing bedding and towels in hot water, and keeping your nails trimmed short to prevent reinfection.

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.

Parasitic Infection Blood Test

What is Parasitic Infection?

What causes parasitic infections?

What is the best test for parasitic infections?

When should I get tested for parasitic infections?

References

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