This test is ideal if you're experiencing persistent digestive issues like diarrhea, abdominal pain, bloating, or unexplained weight loss that won't go away. It helps identify parasitic infections in your intestines that may be causing these symptoms, especially if you've recently traveled internationally, consumed potentially contaminated food or water, or have been exposed to others with parasites. Many people use this test when their digestive symptoms are ongoing and they want to rule out parasites as the cause.
How should I prepare for this test?
You'll need to pick up the specimen container at Quest before collecting your sample. Place fresh stool in both the Total-Fix or formalin transport vial and the PVA transport medium within 30 minutes of collection, filling to the indicated line and mixing well. If parasite infection is strongly suspected, collect at least 3 stool specimens every other day, since a single specimen can miss an infection. Send all specimens at room temperature in the same shipping container.
What's included in this test?
This comprehensive stool analysis uses both concentration techniques and permanent smear microscopy to detect intestinal parasites and their eggs. The concentration method increases the likelihood of finding parasites by separating them from stool debris, while the permanent smear allows for detailed identification of parasite species. Together, these methods provide a thorough examination to identify various intestinal parasites including roundworms, tapeworms, hookworms, pinworms, and protozoa like Giardia that can cause digestive and systemic symptoms.
What happens after I get my results?
You'll receive detailed doctor notes in simple language explaining whether parasites or their eggs were detected in your stool sample. These notes include personalized recommendations like dietary adjustments, hygiene practices, or whether you should follow up with a gastroenterologist or infectious disease specialist for treatment. You'll also get the standard lab report and can track your results over time using our trends feature, which is especially helpful if you need follow-up testing after treatment.
When will I get my results?
Results are typically available within 3-5 business days after the lab receives your specimen. Since this test requires microscopic examination by trained laboratory professionals to identify parasites and their eggs, it takes slightly longer than standard blood tests. You'll be notified as soon as your results are ready to view in your secure online account.
Who should consider getting this test?
This test is important for anyone with persistent digestive symptoms like chronic diarrhea, cramping, or unexplained weight loss. It's especially recommended for people who have recently traveled to developing countries, consumed untreated water or undercooked food, been in close contact with someone diagnosed with parasites, work in childcare or healthcare settings, or have weakened immune systems. Children in daycare settings may also benefit from testing.
What symptoms indicate I may need this test?
Common symptoms include persistent or recurring diarrhea, abdominal cramping or pain, bloating, excessive gas, nausea, and unexplained weight loss. You might also experience fatigue, weakness, loss of appetite, or notice mucus or blood in your stool. Some people have itching around the rectal area, especially at night, which can indicate pinworm infection. If these symptoms persist for more than a week or two, parasite testing may be appropriate.
How can I prevent parasitic infections?
Prevention focuses on good hygiene and food safety practices. Always wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water after using the bathroom and before eating or preparing food. When traveling, drink only bottled or boiled water, avoid raw or undercooked foods, and peel fruits yourself. Wash all produce thoroughly, cook meats to safe temperatures, and avoid swallowing water when swimming in lakes or pools. Regular handwashing is especially important for families with young children.
What are intestinal parasites and why do they matter?
Intestinal parasites are organisms that live in your digestive tract and feed off your body's nutrients. They include worms like roundworms, tapeworms, and hookworms, as well as microscopic protozoa like Giardia. While some people have no symptoms, parasites can cause chronic digestive problems, nutrient deficiencies, anemia, and fatigue by stealing nutrients and damaging your intestinal lining. Left untreated, some parasitic infections can lead to serious complications.
What happens if parasites are detected in my test?
If parasites are found, your doctor will typically prescribe antiparasitic medications specific to the type of parasite identified. Most parasitic infections are highly treatable with medication, though you may need to take the medication for several days or weeks. Your household members may also need testing and treatment to prevent reinfection. After completing treatment, you'll likely need retesting to confirm the parasites have been eliminated, which is why collecting multiple specimens initially improves detection accuracy.
How’s this work?
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In the test options, use the filters or search box to narrow your choices and find the test you want.
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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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In the test options, find the test you want.
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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?
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Only HSA & FSA is accepted.
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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.
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Demo results
Intestinal Parasites DetectionNot Detected
Demo results
Not DetectedDetected
Not Detected
What this means
Your test came back negative, meaning no intestinal parasites or their eggs were found in your stool samples. This is the expected and healthy result, indicating your digestive symptoms are likely not caused by parasitic infection.
Recommended actions
Continue practicing good hand hygiene, especially before meals and after bathroom use
Maintain safe food handling practices and drink treated or bottled water when traveling
If digestive symptoms persist, consider testing for other causes like food sensitivities or bacterial infections
Retest if you travel internationally or develop new digestive symptoms
* Regular blood test results (e.g., CBC) typically start arriving the next business day after sample collection. More complex tests, such as hormone panels, may take up to 10–15 business days due to their complexity.
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