Collection Method
CI05.34.01
Kit Requirements
STOOL
Turn Around Time
3-5 Business Days Turnaround times are estimates
Description
A worm and helminths screen, often referred to as a helminth test or helminthiasis screening, is a test that checks for the presence of parasitic worms, known as helminths, in a person’s body. Helminths are multicellular parasites that can infect various organs and tissues in the body and can cause a range of health problems.1 These infections are known as helminthiasis. 2, 3
The test typically involves the examination of stool samples or, in some cases, blood samples, to detect the presence of helminth eggs, larvae, or specific antibodies produced by the immune system in response to helminth infections.4 The choice of sample depends on the suspected type of helminth and the specific diagnostic methods used by the healthcare provider.
The presence of helminths in the body can cause a variety of symptoms and health issues, depending on the type of worm and the affected organ or system. Common symptoms of helminth infections may include gastrointestinal disturbances, abdominal pain, diarrhea, weight loss, and fatigue, among others.
A worm and helminths screen is typically performed when a healthcare provider suspects that a patient may have a helminth infection based on their symptoms, medical history, or exposure to risk factors such as travel to regions where these infections are.
References:
1 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK8191/
2 Juckett G. Common intestinal helminths. Am Fam Physician. 1995 Nov 15;52(7):2039 -48, 2051-2. PMID: 7484705.
3 Veesenmeyer AF. Important Nematodes in Children. Pediatr Clin North Am. 2022 Feb;69(1):129-139. doi: 10.1016/j.pcl.2021.08.005. PMID: 34794670.
4 Matthys B, Bobieva M, Karimova G, Mengliboeva Z, Jean-Richard V, Hoimnazarova M, Kurbonova M, Lohourignon LK, Utzinger J, Wyss K. Prevalence and risk factors of helminths and intestinal protozoa infections among children from primary schools in western Tajikistan. Parasit Vectors. 2011 Oct 7;4:195. doi: 10.1186/1756-3305-4-195. PMID: 21981979; PMCID: PMC3205355.
Test Method
PCR
Analytes
- Ancylostoma spp. (hookworm)
- Ascaris spp. (roundworm)
- Encephalitozoon spp
- Enterobius vermicularis (pinworm)
- Enterocytozoon spp.
- Hymenolepis spp (tapeworm)
- Necator americanus (hookworm)
- Strongyloides spp. (threadworm)
- Taenia spp. (tapeworm)
- Trichuris trichiura (whipworm)
Test Method
PCR
Common Conditions
Other Health Conditions- Ancylostoma spp.
- Ascaris spp
- Encephalitozoon spp
- Enterobius vermicularis
- Enterocytozoon spp.
- hookworm
- Hymenolepis spp.
- Necator americanus
- Pinworm
- Roundworm
- Strongyloides spp.
- Taenia spp.
- Tapeworm
- Threadworm
- Trichuris trichiura
- Whipworm
Notice To Patients
NutriPATH practices in the usual practitioner-referral system for pathology laboratories. Patients are highly recommended to seek the supervision and guidance of a qualified healthcare practitioner for the interpretation of any lab results and associated information. NutriPATH can offer assistance in locating a suitable practitioner.
How it works
Step 1
Order test
Your referring practitioner will place this order via their online portal.
Step 2
Collect Samples
A test kit will be dispatched to you and you can conveniently collect your sample in the comfort of your home.
Step 3
Return Samples
Return samples for analysis via the provided courier packaging.
Patient resources
Our highly skilled and qualified team have created a service where patients can easily gain access to a wide range of pathology testing options.
Practitioner resources
As a leader in the industry, practitioners are able to trust in our ability to provide them with the technology they need to adequately test their clients and patients.
