Blood test for worms in children
Infection with worms is a common problem in childhood, and for timely treatment of a child who has parasites, it is important to undergo a regular examination. The most accurate method for detecting worm infestation in children is called a blood test for worms. Its indicators help to confirm the presence of worms in the child’s body, to know their appearance and activity.
When to donate blood
Doctors advise to be tested for worms regularly, even if the child does not have any signs of helminth infection. However, most often for a blood test to help identify helminthic invasion, babies are sent with suspected helminth infections when the child has:
- Body weight is reduced.
- Pallor, weakness and rapid onset of fatigue appear.
- There is an itch in the anus.
- The digestive tract is impaired (the child complains of abdominal pain and nausea).
- Periodically there are headaches and dizziness.
- There is a cough without symptoms of a viral infection.
- The body is covered with a rash.
Watch the video of Dr. Komarovsky’s program, which deals with the topic of worms in children:
What other tests for worms do not have a blood test?
A child with suspected helminthiasis will be sent not only to a blood test, but also to such common surveys as:
- Stool analysis helps to identify worms eggs in the baby’s fecal masses. As a rule, such an analysis should be taken several times, since a single examination may not detect parasites (usually 3 analyzes are recommended with a pause of several days).
- Scraping from the perianal areafor which a cotton swab or adhesive tape is used. Such a survey helps to detect the eggs of some helminths.
- General blood analysis. It will show leukocytosis, reduced hemoglobin levels, an increased number of eosinophils, and other changes in the blood that are characteristic of helminth infections.
How is the blood test for helminths
Such a survey is also called enzyme immunoassay, which determines antibodies to various types of worms. It uses the venous blood of a child taken from an infant on an empty stomach. Before taking blood, one should not eat or drink any beverages other than non-carbonated water. On the eve of the survey should not eat spicy and fatty foods.
A blood sample is examined and a result is obtained after 2-5 days. If its decoding indicates the absence of parasites in the children's body, this confirms that the child is healthy and there are no worms in his body. PWhen identifying helminthiasis in the blood test, you should go with the child to the pediatrician for prescribing drugs that will help get rid of a particular type of worms.
Note that the accuracy of the blood test for worms is estimated at 95%. If parents doubt the accuracy of the examination, the procedure can be repeated again after two weeks in the same laboratory. Comparing the results of two tests, the doctor will be able to make a final diagnosis and, on its basis, will issue an antihelminthic drug (if worms are detected).
