How Are Intestinal Parasitic Diseases Diagnosed?
Doctors use samples of feces, sometimes taken a day or two apart, to diagnose intestinal parasitic diseases. The feces are examined for evidence of parasites, such as eggs, larvae, or adults. Blood samples can be taken to check for antibodies * to specific parasites, and doctors may use a medical instrument called an endoscope * to examine the intestines for infection. To detect pinworms, doctors often request that patients take a “tape test.” For this test, patients briefly apply a piece of transparent tape to the skin around the anus in the early morning, after the worm has laid its eggs. The tape is removed and examined at the doctor’s office for any eggs that might be sticking to it.
