Question 1

What is Parasitic infections?

Accepted Answer

Parasitic infections are caused by organisms such as protozoa, helminths (worms), and ectoparasites that live in or on the human body. These parasites trigger an immune response characterized by elevated eosinophils, specialized white blood cells that fight parasitic invaders. The Post COVID-19 Expanded Panel is the most important test for parasitic infection assessment because it measures eosinophil count, which increases significantly during parasitic infections.

Question 2

What causes parasitic infections?

Accepted Answer

Parasitic infections are caused by three main types of organisms: protozoa (single-celled parasites like Giardia lamblia and Entamoeba histolytica), helminths (worms including roundworms, tapeworms, and flukes), and ectoparasites (external parasites like lice and scabies mites). These parasites enter the body through contaminated food or water, insect bites, contact with infected soil, or direct contact with infected individuals. Once inside the body, they feed on nutrients, reproduce, and trigger immune responses that lead to various symptoms depending on the type of parasite and the organs affected.

Question 3

What is the best test for parasitic infections?

Accepted Answer

The Post COVID-19 Expanded Panel is the most important blood test for parasitic infection assessment because it measures eosinophil count, a key indicator of parasitic activity in the body. Eosinophils are specialized white blood cells that increase dramatically when fighting parasites, often rising 3-10 times above normal levels. This panel provides valuable information about your immune response to parasitic infections and helps healthcare providers determine if further specialized testing, such as stool sample analysis or tissue biopsies, is needed to identify the specific parasite causing your symptoms.

Question 4

When should I get tested for parasitic infections?

Accepted Answer

You should get tested if you experience persistent digestive issues like chronic diarrhea, abdominal pain, or unexplained weight loss, especially after traveling to tropical or developing countries. Testing is also important if you notice unusual symptoms like visible worms in stool, intense itching around the rectum at night, unexplained rashes, or prolonged fatigue accompanied by digestive problems. If you have been exposed to contaminated water sources, consumed undercooked meat or fish, or live in or recently visited areas with poor sanitation, getting tested promptly can help identify infections before they cause serious complications.

Question 5

What are the symptoms of parasitic infections?

Accepted Answer

Parasitic infection symptoms vary depending on the type of parasite but commonly include chronic diarrhea, abdominal cramping, bloating, nausea, and unexplained weight loss. You might notice fatigue, weakness, and nutritional deficiencies as parasites consume nutrients from your food. Some people experience visible signs like worms in stool, anal itching (especially at night with pinworms), skin rashes, or hives. Intestinal parasites can cause alternating constipation and diarrhea, while tissue-invasive parasites may cause fever, muscle aches, cough, or neurological symptoms in severe cases.

Question 6

Who is at risk for parasitic infections?

Accepted Answer

People who travel to tropical or subtropical regions with poor sanitation are at highest risk for parasitic infections. Children in daycare settings, individuals who work with soil or animals, and people who consume raw or undercooked meat and fish face increased exposure. Immunocompromised individuals, including those with HIV/AIDS or taking immunosuppressive medications, are more susceptible to severe parasitic infections. Drinking untreated water from lakes, streams, or wells, walking barefoot in contaminated soil, and living in crowded conditions with inadequate hygiene also significantly increase your risk of acquiring parasitic infections.

Question 7

What happens if parasitic infections are left untreated?

Accepted Answer

Untreated parasitic infections can lead to severe malnutrition and anemia as parasites continuously steal nutrients from your body. Intestinal parasites may cause chronic inflammation, leading to intestinal blockages, organ damage, or perforation of the intestinal wall in severe cases. Some parasites migrate to other organs, causing liver abscesses, lung infections, or even brain lesions that can be life-threatening. Long-term infections significantly weaken your immune system, making you vulnerable to other infections, and can cause permanent damage to organs. In children, chronic parasitic infections impair growth and cognitive development.

Question 8

Can parasitic infections be diagnosed with a blood test?

Accepted Answer

Blood tests cannot directly identify specific parasites but are essential for detecting your immune system's response to parasitic infections. The eosinophil count is the most valuable blood marker, as these specialized white blood cells increase dramatically during parasitic infections. Blood tests can also detect antibodies against certain parasites and reveal anemia or nutritional deficiencies caused by parasitic activity. However, definitive diagnosis typically requires stool sample analysis over multiple days to identify parasite eggs, larvae, or cysts, or tissue biopsies for parasites that invade organs beyond the digestive tract.

Question 9

How are parasitic infections treated?

Accepted Answer

Parasitic infections are treated with antiparasitic medications specific to the type of parasite identified. Protozoan infections typically respond to medications like metronidazole or tinidazole, while helminth (worm) infections require drugs such as albendazole, mebendazole, or praziquantel. Treatment duration ranges from a single dose to several weeks depending on the parasite and infection severity. Your healthcare provider may prescribe additional medications to manage symptoms like diarrhea or pain, and nutritional supplements to address deficiencies. Family members and close contacts often need treatment simultaneously to prevent reinfection, and follow-up testing confirms the infection has 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 handling soil. Always drink treated or bottled water when traveling to areas with questionable water quality, and avoid ice made from untreated water. Cook meat, poultry, and fish to safe internal temperatures, and wash all fruits and vegetables thoroughly before eating. Wear shoes when walking outdoors to prevent soil-transmitted parasites from entering through your feet, and avoid swimming in freshwater lakes or rivers in areas where parasites are common. Maintain good hygiene practices and teach children proper handwashing techniques.

Question 11

What natural remedies help with parasitic infections?

Accepted Answer

While natural remedies cannot replace medical treatment for parasitic infections, certain dietary approaches may support your recovery. Foods with antimicrobial properties like raw garlic, pumpkin seeds, papaya seeds, and pineapple contain compounds that create an unfavorable environment for parasites. Probiotic-rich foods like yogurt, kefir, and fermented vegetables help restore healthy gut bacteria that compete with parasites. Increasing fiber intake helps move parasites through your digestive system more quickly. However, these natural approaches should complement, not replace, prescribed antiparasitic medications. Always consult your healthcare provider before using herbal supplements, as some may interact with medications or be unsafe during pregnancy.

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.
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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
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            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.
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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.
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            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).
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            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 infections?

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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