How To Test for Parasites
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So, you’ve read our post on symptoms of parasites and you’ve decided to get tested.
(If you’re still on the fence, take this quick quiz to decide whether you’re a candidate for a parasite test!)
But what type of test do you need?
Based on test results I’ve seen, here are the three most useful parasite tests, ranked by how often they find something, and how accurate the test results are:
- Parasite & Ova analysis
- Pinworm analysis
- Blood smear analysis
At the end of this email, I’ll list 6 tests that aren’t reliable for finding active adult parasite infections…with links to articles about their strengths and weaknesses.
But first, let’s look at the three parasite tests you should consider.
1. Parasite & Ova analysis
In most situations, the best parasite test is the parasite and ova test.
The technology behind this test isn’t new…but parasitologists have been improving the chemicals and techniques over the last few decades.
This test involves looking at filtered and stained stool under a microscope…and finding small parasite eggs (or tiny worms).
Depending on how competent and experienced the scientist is, they can find signs of 3-5 parasites, or 30+ parasites with this analysis.
Not to brag, but we have 2 Ph.D. parasitologists who analyze 100% of our samples, and we can find 31 parasites – including 17 worms and 14 protozoan parasites.
When someone has gut issues (or some extraintestinal symptoms), and they suspect parasites, generally the Ova & Parasite test is the way to go.
2. Pinworm Test
As useful as the Ova & Parasite Test is, it will miss the common pinworm infection 95% of the time!
According to the CDC, the classic symptoms of pinworm infection are:
“…itching around the anus which can lead to difficulty sleeping and restlessness. Symptoms are caused by the female pinworm laying her eggs…” Source
The pinworm test complements the Ova & Parasite test, allowing us to detect this parasite, which is extremely common in families with younger children. (However, I once had a case where both a mother and her 17-year-old son had a pinworm infection.)
Sometimes, itching around the anus may occur persistently, which could indicate another skin condition, such as a fungal infection or something else.
However, for pinworms, the most classic symptom is annoying nighttime itching around the anus.
3. Blood smear analysis
While this test is highly accurate and reliable, it should not be taken by most Americans. However, it may be useful in detecting parasites in Americans with Lyme disease, as there are several well-known blood parasite co-infections among Lyme patients.
In very rare situations, individuals may test positive for highly uncommon blood parasites, such as lymphatic filariasis.
So, while this test is solid and reliable, I wouldn’t recommend it unless you’ve been traveling to an area known for blood parasites or if you have Lyme disease.
Less Reliable Parasite Tests
Lastly, I’m going to give you a list of parasite tests that have serious limitations.
If I wanted to get checked for parasites, I would not rely on the following tests:
- Endoscopy
- Colonoscopy
- PCR/DNA test
- Blood antibody test
- Saliva antibody test
- MRI test
Click here to read more about these common parasite tests.
Wrapping Up
Hopefully, you now feel more confident about making parasite testing decisions.
As I mentioned in my story, symptoms for parasites can be very similar to the symptoms for some less common gut bacteria and fungal infections that doctors often don’t test for.
The test I used to get a diagnosis and begin recovering my health was the 48 Gut Invaders home test kit — a comprehensive at-home test that checks for 31 parasites, 5 fungi (candida), 12 gut bacteria, and 11 other markers of digestive health.
Why the 48 Gut Invaders Home Test Kit?
- Comprehensive – Tests for 48 “Gut Invaders”
- Easy Home Test – No embarrassing trips to a lab
- Accurate – Results analyzed by Ph.D. parasitologists
- Pre-test preparation to maximize accuracy
- Free post-test coaching to help plan your next steps
- 4 days of stool samples – Finds 2.753 more parasites than a single stool X as accurate as 1 sample
- Specialized preservation fluids preserve ALL signs of parasites
- High contrast dyes find parasite eggs 100x smaller than a human hair
Note from Evan: If you have any questions, please email me directly at support@parasites.org. Your questions help me improve the info I share on this blog!