Skip to content 
Ascariasis diagnosis
Diagnosis of people who are infected with Ascaris is usually done by taking a proper history and a physical exam. Signs of malnutrition, iron deficiency, and pain at the site of the liver are often enough to send in blood and stool tests to detect the presence of Ascaris Lumbricoides.
Some individuals explain the presence of worms in their vomit and feces, which narrows down the approach of doctors.
Blood tests- Blood tests are sent to check the levels of eosinophils, this helps in confirming the presence of a parasite in the body.
Stool tests- Once the blood tests indicate the presence of a parasite in the body, a stool test specifically for Ascaris Lumbricoides is sent to confirm the diagnosis. Eggs of this parasite are looked for in a sample of stool. However, if a person is infected by a male worm, there won’t be any eggs present in the stool. This is why other tests are indicated if the stool test comes out negative.
Imaging tests- X Rays, Ultrasound, and MRIs are then advised to patients with a negative stool test. These three tests not only identify the location of the worms at the site of the intestine, lungs, liver, gallbladder, and pancreas but also locate the damage caused by these worms.
