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Parasites Check
With the Parasites Check, your stool sample is examined to determine:
1.) Worm eggs
2.) Cryptosporidium spec.
3.) Entamoeba histolytica
4.) Giardia lamblia
5.) Blastocystis hominis
Who should take the test?
Parasites are organisms that derive nourishment and protection from other living organisms known as hosts. There are many types of parasites: worms that are large and thus visible as well as unicellular parasites that we cannot see. The human intestine serves as a habitat for lots of different parasites. In many cases, infection takes place on vacation in tropical regions, however, parasites can also find their way into our bodies in our latitudes, e.g. by insufficiently cooked, infected meat.
The symptoms vary depending on the parasite and the infestation rate. Often an infestation takes place without symptoms for years or the symptoms are so unspecific that the actual cause of the complaint can't be identified. This makes a diagnosis particularly difficult.
With our test, your stool sample is examined to determine a variety of parasites. Worm eggs will be determined by microscopic examination whereas various single-celled parasites will be determined by antigen tests. Larger and thus visible worms can not be detected by this method as they usually remain in the intestine and only their eggs are excreted with the stool.
To note is the important time-gap between the infection and the traceability of larvae and eggs. It can take 1 to 3 months after the infection until the eggs can be determined in the stool.
The test analyzes the values of the following analytes:
- - Worm eggs
- - Cryptosporidium spec.
- - Entamoeba histolytica
- - Giardia lamblia
- - Blastocystis hominis
With our Parasites Check your stool sample is examined to determine Worm eggs, Cryptosporidium spec., Entamoeba histolytica, Giardia lamblia, Blastocystis hominis.
Note: Fox tapeworm eggs are not released into the stool and therefore can not be determined by a stool test. Imaging procedures have to be performed in this case. The situation is similar to the one of oxyurae (Enterobius vermicularis): the eggs also do not appear in the stool as the worms deposit them directly on the perianal skin.
How does it work?
You collect the samples at home, send them back to us and we will provide you with your level of each analyte. You can then discuss these results with your doctor or practitioner, who can advise you on the further course of action and the various therapeutic options.
What will my results tell me?
If worm eggs are detected in your stool you will receive information about the exact species of the eggs or the associated worm. In very few cases, e.g. a very rare worm species from remote regions, it may happen that further investigations (for example at the nearest tropical institute) are required for a precise identification.
What guidance will I get along with my results?
We always recommend the discussion of the mailed results with your doctor or practitioner. Although we do not offer therapy service ourselves, we will gladly assist you in finding a suitable therapist in your area. Besides, further information is available on our website, especially in the different test categories, under "health conditions" and the FAQs. Still have questions? Then you can contact us by phone at (703) 722 6067 (08:00am - 11:30am EST) or mail at contact@verisana.com.
For the Parasites Check we analyse:
Worm eggs
Under the microscope we examine your samples for worm eggs and then determine the types of eggs found.
Note: Fox tapeworm eggs are not released into the stool and therefore can not be determined by a stool test. Imaging procedures have to be performed in this case. The situation is similar to oxyurae (Enterobius vermicularis): the eggs also do not appear in the stool as the worms deposit them directly on the perianal skin.
Cryptosporidium spec.
The Cryptosporidium belongs to the genus of unicellular parasites, whose hosts are vertebrates. They occur worldwide and are usually transmitted via contaminated water, but also via raw food or pets. An infection usually heals by itself after a few weeks. However, people with weakened immune systems may experience chronic symptoms. In addition to diarrhea symptoms often include weight loss, mild fever and dizziness.
Entamoeba histolytica
Entamoeba histolytica is an unicellular parasite and cause of the so-called amoebic dysentery. The parasite causes purulent intestinal ulceration, which leads to a variety of symptoms such as abdominal pain, bloody-slimy diarrhea or constipation. In rare cases, the parasites migrate to the liver where they destroy tissues and cause abscesses. Often, however, an infection is completely unsymptomatic or the disease breaks out only years or decades after the infection. It is transmitted by contaminated food as well as during sex.
Giardia lamblia
The pathogen Giardia lambia exists worldwide. It is transmitted by contaminated food, water (either by drinking water or swimming in contaminated water) or directly from person to person, e.g. during intercourse. The incubation period is about 1 week. The symptoms range from a feeling of pressure in the right upper abdomen, torments, nausea and diarrhea to vomiting and fever. In addition, malabsorption often leads to weight loss.
Blastocystis hominis
Blastocystis hominis is an unicellular parasite from the stramenopilen group. It is not only detected in vertebrates, but also in birds, reptiles or amphibians. It is transmitted by contaminated food and water. It is assumed that about 30 percent of all returnees from a holiday in the tropics have Blastocystis hominis. For many, however, the infection is completely unsymptomatic. If symptoms occur, then mostly in the form of diarrhea, nausea and constipation. Rarely, however, nonspecific symptoms such as skin rashes, headaches or joint pain occur.
- Diarrhea
- Constipation
- Weight loss
- Fever
- Stomach cramps
- Exhaustion
- Joint and muscle pain
- Deficiency symptoms
- Nausea and vomiting
- Painful bowel movement
General
Please note the following guidelines regarding the stool collection - the correct collection of the stool is important for achieving analtered laboratory results! Please make sure to collect the samples on Mondays and post them the same day.
Before the sample collection
1. Label the sample container with your full name, the date as well as the time of the sample collection.
2. No additional sealing or stapling of the sample tubes and delivery bag is necessary.
During the sample collection
1. Please use the enclosed stool collection unit to avoid the stool coming in contact with toilet water or urine. Now collect the sample using the stool collection unit.
2. Take the enclosed collection spoon (attached underneath the lid) in order to stir the stool. Collect different samples from different areas of the stool.
3. Fill the container with the stool sample until the tube is ¾ full.
4. Close the sample container tightly with the lid and clean the outside surface if necessary
After the sample collection
1. After the collection, the stool collection unit as well as the remaining stool can be flushed down the toilet.
2. The sample can be placed in the refrigerator over night – please do not freeze!
3. Please collect the sample on Mondays and post them the same day.
4. Place the sample in the delivered protective bag (clear bag with blue border). Then place everything together with the enclosed sample dispatch note in the grey plastic envelope and seal it.
5. For shipping, please use a „Priority Mail Padded Flat Rate Envelope“. The envelopes are available for free. Put the sealed grey envelope into it and send it to the following address: Brian Kalish c/o Verisana Laboratories 818 N Quincy Street Unit 806 Arlington VA 22203.
You can either receive the „Priority Mail Padded Flat Rate Envelope“ at any US Postal Service Center, where you can also pay and dispatch your item. Alternatively, you can order the envelope on USPS.com, where you can also pay and create the shipping label online. Print the label and put it on the enlevope. You can then dispatch the envelope at your local post office or throw it into the next letter box (make sure it is emptied the same day!).
Please note: In accordance with the general postal regulations the sender bears the legal responsibility.
6. After approximately 14-21 days you will receive your results.
We advice you that we assume no liability for any disadvantages, costs or damages arising from incorrect collection or shipping. Samples that arrive to our laboratory due to shipment on the wrong weekday, delays in shipping services, selection of incorrect shipment services or providers, or due to force majeur may not fulfill requirements for laboratory testing anymore and may therefore have to be retaken at the sole expense of the patient.
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Great value for the price :-)!Rate the quality of the product (from 1-5)
Review by Celia (Posted on 9/11/2018)- For animals as well
Used the test for my cat. Got the results within 2 weeks. Will probabaly use it again for a regular check up. Review by Colin (Posted on 9/8/2018)Rate the quality of the product (from 1-5) - Just awesome!
I am very satisfied with this holistic laboratory. They even supported me in finding a therapist in my area. What an awesome service!Rate the quality of the product (from 1-5)
Review by Jerry (Posted on 9/4/2018)- Good
Everything was fine.Rate the quality of the product (from 1-5)
Review by Arnold (Posted on 8/31/2018)- Can't complain!
Everything went fast and uncomplicated. Review by Arlene (Posted on 8/30/2018)Rate the quality of the product (from 1-5)
Questions about the order
- Which test should I order?
- Can I also order by phone?
- How long does it take for my order to arrive?
- I have not received an order confirmation.
- My package did not arrive or my order was not completely delivered.
- I want to cancel my order.
Questions about sample submission & findings
- How long will it take to receive my findings?
- How do I get my findings?
- Can I get advice for my test result? Can you tell me what remedy to take?
- I forgot to put the sample dispatch note in the package when sending the sample back.
- I take medication. Can this affect the outcome?
Questions about the stool test
Which test should I order?
To find the right test for you, click through our additional product information covered in the categories <Details>, <Symptoms> and <Test includes>. You can also call us at (703) 722 6067 (08:00am - 11:30am EST) or write an email to contact@verisana.com.
Can I also order by phone?
Yes. Please call us at (703) 722 6067 (08:00am - 11:30am EST). The payment in this case is only possible via Paypal. We take your order and you will receive the payment request by mail.
How long does it take for my order to arrive?
We process orders on a daily basis (apart from weekends and public holidays). You have the possibility to choose between two shipping options: free standard shipping and two day shipping.
The standard shipping option is for free and you will receive your order in 5-7 days. The two day shipping option is only for free when your purchase amount is higher than 100 $, if this is not the case you will have to pay an additional amount of 5 $. Regardless of the purchase amount you will receive your order in 2 days if you have chosen the two day shipping option.
I have not received an order confirmation.
Please contact us to check if your order was registered. We will gladly send you the confirmation again.
My package did not arrive or my order was not completely delivered.
Please contact our customer service team at (703) 722 6067 (08:00am - 11:30am EST) or write an email to contact@verisana.com.
I want to cancel my order.
The withdrawal period from the purchase of all our items is 2 weeks from the receipt of the goods. Please inform us via mail about the desired cancellation and note the following information: Laboratory analyzes can only be canceled if the analysis has not yet been carried out.
How long will it take to receive my findings?
From the day the sample arrives in our laboratory, it takes:
- saliva tests 2 weeks
- stool tests 2-3 weeks
until the findings are completed.
If you have not received your report after this deadline, please contact us. Please understand that we can not speed up the processing of your sample.
How do I get my findings?
You will receive your findings via mail.
Can I get advice for my test result? Can you tell me what remedy to take?
For legal reasons, our findings do not include individualized therapy recommendations.
If you have any questions regarding the understanding of your findings, please contact our laboratory team.
I forgot to put the sample dispatch note in the package when sending the sample back.
Please send us the completed and signed dispatch note, preferably by mail to contact@verisana.com. Unfortunately, we can not complete your sample without a dispatch note.
I take medication. Can this affect the outcome?
That depends on the test you want to carry out and the medications you are taking. In case of doubt, please ask your doctor regarding the areas that are influenced by the medication prescribed by him and do not stop taking your medication without consulting him.
How long can you store or use stool samples?
Basically, it is recommended to send the samples as soon as possible after collection and keep them in the refrigerator until they are shipped (do not freeze). On the way, the samples will last up to 7 days without any problems, when it is not too hot outside.
I take probiotika. Does this affect the outcome?
Taking probiotika means supplying bacteria to your body. In conclusion, carrying out a stool test while taking probiotika will make it unpossible to distinguish the amount of natural and unnatural bacteria in your gut. If you aim to find out about the amount of natural bacteria in your gut, we recommend you to stop taking probiotika two weeks before carrying out the stool test.
Does the gluten/histamine intolerance test also show a reaction when I am on a gluten/histamine-free diet?
No, you should consume food that contains gluten or histamine during the days before taking the sample to get a meaningful result.
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