Tapeworm infection is a parasitic intestinal infection caused by flatworms that attach to the digestive tract and absorb nutrients from food. It is caused by ingesting tapeworm eggs or larvae from undercooked meat, contaminated water, or poor hygiene practices. The Ova and Parasites with Giardia Antigen stool test is the most important test for diagnosis as it directly detects tapeworm eggs and segments shed in stool.
90-day money-back guarantee
Lab order in minutes
Save a trip to the doctor
Low prices since 2005
Labs within 2 miles
Tapeworm infection is caused by ingesting tapeworm eggs or larvae through contaminated food or water. The most common sources include undercooked beef, pork, or fish containing tapeworm larvae, drinking water contaminated with tapeworm eggs, or poor hand hygiene after contact with infected feces. Once inside your intestines, the larvae attach to the intestinal wall and grow into adult tapeworms that can reach several feet in length, absorbing nutrients from the food you eat.
The Ova and Parasites with Giardia Antigen stool test is the most important test for tapeworm infection because it directly detects tapeworm eggs and segments (proglottids) shed in your stool. This comprehensive stool analysis can identify various tapeworm species including beef tapeworm (Taenia saginata), pork tapeworm (Taenia solium), and fish tapeworm (Diphyllobothrium latum). The test provides definitive evidence of active infection and helps determine which specific tapeworm species is present, which is essential for selecting the right antiparasitic medication. Multiple stool samples collected over several days may be recommended since tapeworms shed eggs intermittently.
You should get tested if you notice visible white segments that look like grains of rice in your stool or underwear, experience unexplained weight loss despite normal eating, have persistent abdominal pain or discomfort, feel unusually hungry all the time, or have recently consumed undercooked meat or fish. Testing is especially important if you have traveled to areas where tapeworm infections are common, work with livestock, or have been exposed to contaminated water sources. Early detection prevents nutritional deficiencies and complications from long-term parasitic infection.
Save a trip to the doctor, go directly to the lab
Instant orders, results often overnight*
Results explained in simple language
Reviewed by US licensed doctors
Fast & confidential, we never sell or share your data
No insurance needed, transparent pricing
What this means
Your test came back negative, meaning no Giardia parasites were detected in your stool sample. This is the expected and healthy result, indicating that Giardia is not the cause of any digestive symptoms you may be experiencing.
Recommended actions
Practice good hand hygiene, especially before eating and after using the bathroom
When traveling, drink only bottled or treated water and avoid raw foods
If digestive symptoms persist, consider testing for other causes or consult your doctor
Maintain proper food handling and cooking practices at home
Not overhyped or overpriced. Just comprehensive blood testing made simple and for everyone.
3303 reviews
Sample results
Your 24/7 Personal Lab Guide
Quick questions:
