Ordering the Intestinal Parasites Stool Test
The Intestinal Parasites Stool Test helps identify a wide range of parasites, including protozoa and worms, that can cause digestive problems and other symptoms. This test is especially useful for people with ongoing stomach pain, diarrhea, or unexplained weight loss, as it can pinpoint the cause and guide treatment. Interestingly, some parasites can trigger symptoms outside the digestive tract, such as skin rashes or joint pain, which are often overlooked.
Ordering this test can help you find out if parasites are affecting your gut or causing other symptoms. Benefits of ordering include:
- Detects both common and rare parasites, including amoeba, giardia, and tapeworms
- Helps explain symptoms like bloating, cramps, and fatigue that don’t improve with usual care
- Supports treatment decisions by showing which parasites are present
- Can reveal hidden infections that may not show up on routine stool tests
- Offers a non-invasive way to check for parasites using a home collection kit
Who Should Consider Parasite and Digestive Pathogen Screening
People who have traveled to areas with unsafe water, or who have ongoing stomach issues that don’t get better, may benefit from this test. For example, someone who has returned from a trip and starts having stomach pain, diarrhea, and tiredness that won’t go away might find this test helpful in finding the cause.
Ordering this test may also be helpful in these situations:
- Long-term constipation or diarrhea that does not respond to usual treatments
- Unexplained weight loss or poor appetite
- Recurring skin rashes or hives with no clear cause
- Chronic fatigue or low energy that started after a stomach illness
- Joint pain or swelling that began after a trip to a different country
Testing for parasites can help you get answers about symptoms that have not improved with other treatments, and can show if a specific infection is present. Delaying this test may allow a hidden infection to continue, which could make symptoms last longer or become harder to treat. To move forward, order the test to get clear results and next steps.
Preparing for Digestive Parasite and Pathogen Analysis
Fasting is not required for this stool test, so you can eat and drink as usual before collecting your sample. Always follow any instructions your doctor or healthcare provider gives you to make sure your sample is collected and handled correctly.
Labs Included When Ordering Your Intestinal Parasites Stool Test
| Test Name | Reference Range | Significance | Low and High Levels of Intestinal Parasites Stool Test |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bacteriology, aerobic x3 | No pathogenic bacteria detected | This test checks for harmful bacteria that grow in oxygen. It helps find infections that may cause diarrhea, cramps, or other stomach problems. |
High levels mean there is an overgrowth of harmful bacteria, which can cause infection and digestive symptoms.
Low levels mean no harmful bacteria were found, which is normal. |
| Bacteriology, anaerobic | No pathogenic anaerobes detected | This test looks for bacteria that grow without oxygen. Some of these bacteria can cause serious gut infections and inflammation. |
High levels mean there is an infection with bacteria that thrive without oxygen, which may cause pain or diarrhea.
Low levels mean no harmful anaerobic bacteria were found, which is normal. |
| Cryptosporidium | Not detected | Cryptosporidium is a parasite that can cause watery diarrhea and stomach cramps. It is often spread through contaminated water or food. |
High levels mean an active Cryptosporidium infection is present, which can cause severe diarrhea.
Low levels mean no Cryptosporidium was found, which is normal. |
| Entamoeba histolytica | Not detected | This parasite can cause amoebic dysentery, leading to bloody diarrhea, stomach pain, and sometimes liver problems. |
High levels mean an active Entamoeba histolytica infection, which can cause severe digestive symptoms.
Low levels mean no Entamoeba histolytica was found, which is normal. |
| Giardia lamblia | Not detected | Giardia is a common parasite that causes diarrhea, gas, and stomach cramps. It is often picked up from untreated water or food. |
High levels mean a Giardia infection is present, which can cause ongoing digestive problems.
Low levels mean no Giardia was found, which is normal. |
| Parasite Identification, Concentrate | No parasites detected | This test uses a concentrated stool sample to look for eggs, larvae, or adult parasites. It helps find even small amounts of parasites that may be missed otherwise. |
High levels mean parasites or their eggs are present, which may cause symptoms.
Low levels mean no parasites were found, which is normal. |
| Parasite Identification, Trichrome Stain | No parasites detected | This test uses a special stain to highlight parasites under a microscope, making it easier to spot protozoa and other organisms in the stool. |
High levels mean parasites are present and visible with the stain, which may explain symptoms.
Low levels mean no parasites were seen, which is normal. |
| Yeast Culture | No yeast overgrowth | This test checks for too much yeast in the gut, which can cause bloating, gas, and changes in bowel habits. |
High levels mean there is a yeast overgrowth, which may cause digestive symptoms.
Low levels mean no yeast overgrowth was found, which is normal. |
Reference ranges may change slightly as labs update their methods and guidelines.
Intestinal Parasites Stool Test FAQ
Is there Intestinal Parasites Stool Test testing near me?
This test is a home collection kit, so you can collect your sample locally and send it to the lab using the provided materials. For people with ongoing stomach pain or diarrhea, having a kit you can use at home makes it easier to get tested quickly without needing to travel.
How do I interpret the test results?
While your treating physician should review your results, you can also use our one-on-one test results review service with our clinical team for clear explanations and next steps.
What is the cost of the test?
The price you see for this test includes standard shipping to you and return shipping to the lab, but draw fees may apply. Ordering this test can help you find out if parasites are causing your symptoms, so you can start the right treatment sooner.
How often should I retest?
Retesting is usually recommended 4-6 weeks after treatment or if symptoms return, to make sure the infection is gone. Repeating the test can confirm that parasites have been cleared and help prevent ongoing symptoms.
How accurate is the test?
This test uses computer-enhanced microscopy, special stains, and immunoassay techniques to detect parasites, with a sensitivity of 93% and specificity of 98%. TrueHealthLabs.com partners with CLIA-certified and CAP-certified laboratories to uphold rigorous testing standards for dependable results.
Important Notes
- This kit cannot be mailed or collected in New York State.
Medical Review Board
Reviewed by Jeff Donohue M.D. from Body Logic and Brady Hurst DC, CCCN. Written by True Health Lab’s team of editorial health contributors.
Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only and not intended as medical advice. Consult your healthcare provider for personalized guidance.
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