Question 1

What is Amoebiasis?

Accepted Answer

Amoebiasis is an intestinal infection that causes diarrhea, abdominal pain, and potentially severe complications. It is caused by the parasite Entamoeba histolytica, which is transmitted through contaminated food or water. The Ova & Parasites with Giardia Antigen stool test is the most important test for diagnosis because it directly detects the parasite in stool samples.

Question 2

What causes amoebiasis?

Accepted Answer

Amoebiasis is caused by the parasite Entamoeba histolytica, which infects the intestines after you ingest microscopic cysts through contaminated food or water. The parasite is most commonly transmitted in areas with poor sanitation, but outbreaks can occur anywhere when food handlers or water sources become contaminated. Once ingested, the cysts travel to your intestines where they release active parasites that attach to the intestinal wall, causing inflammation, ulcers, and the characteristic bloody diarrhea associated with amoebic dysentery.

Question 3

What is the best test for amoebiasis?

Accepted Answer

The Ova & Parasites with Giardia Antigen stool test is the most important test for amoebiasis because it directly detects Entamoeba histolytica parasites and their eggs in your stool sample. This comprehensive test examines multiple stool specimens under a microscope to identify the characteristic four-nucleated cysts or active trophozoites that confirm infection. The test is essential because amoebiasis symptoms can mimic other gastrointestinal infections like bacterial dysentery or inflammatory bowel disease, and only microscopic examination can definitively identify the specific parasite responsible for your symptoms. Early detection through stool testing allows your doctor to prescribe the appropriate antiparasitic medications before the infection spreads beyond your intestines to cause liver abscesses or other serious complications.

Question 4

When should I get tested for amoebiasis?

Accepted Answer

You should get tested if you develop persistent diarrhea (especially bloody or mucus-filled stools), severe abdominal cramping, or fever after traveling to areas with poor sanitation or drinking untreated water. Testing is particularly important if your symptoms last more than a few days, if you notice weight loss or fatigue, or if you have right upper abdominal pain that could indicate a liver abscess. You should also consider testing if you live in close quarters with someone diagnosed with amoebiasis, work in food service after potential exposure, or have a weakened immune system that makes you more susceptible to severe complications.

Question 5

What are the symptoms of amoebiasis?

Accepted Answer

Amoebiasis symptoms typically include watery or bloody diarrhea with mucus, severe abdominal cramping and tenderness, and frequent urgent bowel movements. You might experience fever, nausea, fatigue, and unintended weight loss as the infection progresses. Some people develop amoebic dysentery with multiple daily episodes of bloody stools, while others have milder symptoms that come and go over weeks or months. If the parasite spreads beyond your intestines, you may develop right upper abdominal pain from a liver abscess, along with high fever and sweating, which requires immediate medical attention.

Question 6

Who is at risk for amoebiasis?

Accepted Answer

People who travel to developing countries with inadequate water treatment and sanitation systems face the highest risk for amoebiasis. You are also at increased risk if you consume raw vegetables or fruits washed in contaminated water, drink untreated water from streams or wells, or have close contact with someone infected with Entamoeba histolytica. Men who have sex with men, individuals living in institutional settings, and people with compromised immune systems are more vulnerable to infection and severe complications. Food handlers who carry the parasite can unknowingly spread it to others through improper hand hygiene.

Question 7

What happens if amoebiasis is left untreated?

Accepted Answer

Untreated amoebiasis can cause the parasite to burrow through your intestinal wall, creating deep ulcers that lead to severe bloody diarrhea and potentially life-threatening intestinal perforation. The parasites can enter your bloodstream and travel to your liver, forming amoebic liver abscesses filled with dead tissue that cause intense pain, high fever, and can rupture if not treated promptly. In rare cases, the infection spreads to your lungs, brain, or other organs, causing serious complications that require aggressive treatment. Even without severe complications, chronic untreated amoebiasis causes persistent digestive problems, malnutrition, anemia, and significant weight loss that affects your overall health and quality of life.

Question 8

Can amoebiasis be diagnosed with a blood test?

Accepted Answer

Amoebiasis is primarily diagnosed through stool testing rather than blood tests, as the Ova & Parasites examination directly identifies the Entamoeba histolytica parasite in your intestines. However, blood tests that detect antibodies against the parasite can be useful in certain situations, particularly when doctors suspect a liver abscess or extra-intestinal infection that may not show parasites in stool samples. Blood antibody tests remain positive for years after infection, so they cannot distinguish between current and past infections, making stool testing the preferred method for diagnosing active intestinal amoebiasis.

Question 9

How is amoebiasis treated?

Accepted Answer

Amoebiasis is treated with antiparasitic medications, typically starting with metronidazole or tinidazole to kill active parasites in your intestinal tissue, followed by paromomycin or iodoquinol to eliminate any remaining cysts in your intestinal tract. Your doctor prescribes a two-phase treatment approach because different medications target different life stages of the parasite, ensuring complete eradication and preventing relapse. Treatment usually lasts 10-14 days, and you should avoid alcohol during therapy as it can cause severe reactions with metronidazole. For liver abscesses, treatment may require longer courses of medication and sometimes needle aspiration or drainage if the abscess is large or at risk of rupturing.

Question 10

How can I prevent amoebiasis?

Accepted Answer

You can prevent amoebiasis by drinking only bottled, boiled, or properly filtered water when traveling to areas with questionable sanitation, and avoiding ice cubes made from tap water. Eat only thoroughly cooked foods and avoid raw vegetables or fruits unless you can peel them yourself with clean hands. Practice meticulous hand hygiene, washing your hands with soap and clean water before eating and after using the bathroom, especially in areas where amoebiasis is common. If you are traveling to high-risk areas, stick to reputable restaurants, avoid street food, and use bottled water even for brushing your teeth to minimize your exposure to contaminated water sources.

Question 11

What can I do at home for amoebiasis?

Accepted Answer

While medical treatment with prescription antiparasitic medications is essential for curing amoebiasis, you can support your recovery at home by staying well-hydrated with clean bottled or boiled water and oral rehydration solutions to replace fluids lost through diarrhea. Eat bland, easily digestible foods like rice, bananas, toast, and applesauce while avoiding dairy, spicy foods, and high-fiber foods that can irritate your inflamed intestines. Get plenty of rest to help your body fight the infection, and maintain strict hand hygiene to prevent spreading the parasite to family members. Probiotics may help restore healthy gut bacteria after treatment, but always complete your full course of prescribed antiparasitic medications as directed by your healthcare provider.

Question 12

How’s this work?

Accepted Answer

Getting your blood test with us is easy, private & backed by the power of science.Long story short:
            
                In the test options, use the filters or search box to narrow your choices and find the test you want.
                If you need a hand navigating through options, text our super friendly support team at 754-799-7833, and we'll provide tailored suggestions to help you find the ideal test.
                Once your order is placed, we’ll create your doctor’s lab order remotely, without any need for you to make a trip to a doctor in person or to talk to the doctor. Expect to receive your doctor’s lab order right in your inbox. It will also be in your patient portal if you need to find it later. We’ll also include instructions regarding fasting and other requirements for your test. Your patient portal will be auto-created hassle-free during checkout.
                If this is your first time ordering, you'll be prompted to create a password for instant login access to your patient portal. It's a quick way to conveniently access your orders and results whenever you want.
                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.
                Note that most lab locations don’t accept walk-ins, so it’s best to book an appointment in advance. Don’t worry – we’ll provide detailed instructions along the way.
                You’ll get your results via email & SMS and dive into understanding your body better. Yup, that easy!
                If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com and we'll gladly help you.

Question 13

How do I know which test to get?

Accepted Answer

In the test options, find the test you want.
            If you’re not sure which test to get, we can lend a hand in finding the right option.
            Just text or call us at 754-799-7833, email us at support@privatemdlabs.com, and we'll gladly help you. We've got your back and reply quickly.

Question 14

When will my lab results be available?

Accepted Answer

Most test results will be available within 1–3 business days. Once they're ready, we'll send an email and text message to let you know.
            After your blood draw, just hang tight and don't worry – we'll keep you updated and in the loop!
            If you have any further questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com, and we'll gladly help you.

Question 15

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?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely! We totally understand that errors can happen. No worries, we're here to help you.
            Just reach out to us via text at 754-799-7833 or shoot us an email at
            support@privatemdlabs.com. Remember to include your order number and let us know the correct information you’d like to update.
            Our awesome team will jump right in and make sure everything is sorted out and accurate for you.
            There are no changes necessary if your address is wrong on the requisition though. We don’t mail anything out.
            Our lab requires an address to be listed to generate an order.

Question 16

Do you accept health insurance?

Accepted Answer

Only HSA & FSA is accepted.
            Our services are strictly self-pay and cannot be submitted to your health insurance provider except for Health Savings Accounts or Flexible Savings Accounts.
            This policy applies to all insurance companies, including federal health insurance programs like Medicare.
            If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com.

Question 17

Can I cancel my order?

Accepted Answer

Yes.
            We get it – sometimes your needs change.
            As long as your samples haven’t been collected yet, we’re happy to help you cancel your order.
            If you have any further questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com.
            You can read more about our cancellation policy here.

Question 18

How can I find a lab location near me?

Accepted Answer

During the ordering process, you’ll be able to select a specific lab near you, with no strings attached!
            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.
            If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com and we'll gladly help you.

Amoebiasis Blood Test & Stool Parasite Screen

What is Amoebiasis?

What causes amoebiasis?

What is the best test for amoebiasis?

When should I get tested for amoebiasis?

References

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