What's this test for?

This test is ideal if you're experiencing unexplained seizures, persistent headaches, or muscle lumps and have a history of travel to areas where pork tapeworm infection is common. It checks for antibodies your body makes when exposed to the larval form of the pork tapeworm, which can cause a condition called cysticercosis. This is especially useful if you've eaten undercooked pork or lived in regions with poor sanitation and are now having neurological symptoms.

What's included in this test?

This test screens for antibodies your immune system produces in response to cysticercus, the larval stage of the pork tapeworm. If the initial screening antibody test comes back positive, the lab automatically performs a confirmatory Western Blot on the same sample, giving you a more precise answer without extra steps.

What happens after I get my results?

Your results will show up in your account along with an explanation of what a normal versus abnormal range means for this antibody test. If your initial screen is positive, the lab automatically runs a follow-up Western Blot test to confirm the result, so you don't need to order a second test yourself. If any value comes back concerning, especially alongside symptoms like seizures or vision changes, seek medical care right away. You can download the full lab report anytime and track any future retests over time using the trends feature.

How can I naturally support my immune system while I wait?

While there's no home remedy that treats a tapeworm infection, you can support your body by eating a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and lean protein to keep your immune system strong. Staying well hydrated and getting enough sleep also helps your body respond to any infection. Avoid undercooked pork going forward, and wash your hands and produce thoroughly to reduce risk of reinfection or spreading it to others.

When will I get my results?

Results for this test are typically ready within about 7 days. If the confirmatory Western Blot is triggered, that may add a small amount of extra time since it's run as a reflex test after the initial screen. You'll get a notification as soon as your report is available in your account.

Who should consider this test?

Anyone with new-onset seizures, chronic headaches, or unexplained lumps under the skin who has traveled to or lived in areas where pork tapeworm is common should consider this test. It's also useful if you've eaten undercooked pork or been in close contact with someone diagnosed with a tapeworm infection. People with imaging findings suggestive of brain cysts are also good candidates.

What symptoms indicate I may need this test?

Common symptoms include seizures that start suddenly with no clear cause, ongoing headaches, confusion, or vision problems. Some people notice firm, painless lumps under the skin caused by cysts in muscle tissue. If you have these symptoms and a history of travel to higher-risk regions, this test can help identify the cause.

What does a positive result mean?

A positive result means your body has made antibodies against the pork tapeworm larva, suggesting current or past exposure to cysticercosis. Because this can affect the brain and other tissues, it's important to seek medical care quickly if you have neurological symptoms like seizures. The automatic Western Blot follow-up helps confirm whether this is a true positive.

What causes a cysticercosis infection?

Cysticercosis happens when you swallow tapeworm eggs, often from contaminated food, water, or surfaces, or through poor handwashing after contact with an infected person's stool. It can also occur from eating undercooked pork containing the larval cysts. Good hygiene, proper food handling, and cooking pork thoroughly are the best ways to prevent it.

How often should I retest?

If your first result is negative but you continue to have symptoms, retesting after any new exposure or a few weeks later can help catch an infection that was too early to detect the first time. If you were treated for a confirmed infection, your results can be tracked over time to see how your antibody levels change. Otherwise, this isn't a test most people need on a regular schedule.

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.

How do I know which test to get?

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.

When will my lab results be available?

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.

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?

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.

Do you accept health insurance?

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.

Can I cancel my order?

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.

How can I find a lab location near me?

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.

Cysticercus Antibody Test - Tapeworm Infection Screening

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!

754-799-7833

[email protected]

Cysticercus Antibody Blood Test (Tapeworm Infection Check)

Cysticercus Antibody (IgG), ELISA, Serum with Reflex to Western Blot

Prescription & all lab fees included

Doctor's guidance included

Fast & convenient

Prescription & all lab fees included

Doctor's guidance included

Fast & convenient

What's this test for?

What's included in this test?

What happens after I get my results?

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Cysticercus Antibody Blood Test (Tapeworm Infection Check)

Prescription & all lab fees included

Doctor's guidance included

Fast & convenient

1,000,000+ blood tests later, here's what our customers say