Intestinal Parasite Panel

Do you have persistent watery diarrhoea, cramps and bloating, particularly after travelling, swimming or drinking untreated natural water? The Intestinal Parasite Panel specifically checks a stool sample for three common intestinal parasites: Giardia, Cryptosporidium and the amoeba Entamoeba histolytica. It helps establish whether your symptoms are caused by a treatable parasite.

Who the panel is for

• people with diarrhoea lasting longer than two weeks;
• after travel to tropical and subtropical regions, particularly with mucus or blood in diarrhoea;
• after drinking untreated water or swimming in pools, lakes and rivers;
• nursery children and their household members when Giardia occurs in the group;
• immunocompromised people, in whom Cryptosporidium can cause prolonged diarrhoea;
• people with bloating, wind, foul-smelling fatty stools and unintentional weight loss.

If diarrhoea is accompanied by blood in stool, high fever, severe abdominal pain or signs of dehydration such as intense thirst, little urine and dizziness, contact a doctor immediately; in emergencies call 194 or 112.

What the panel detects

The panel checks stool for traces of three diarrhoea-causing parasites:

• Giardia lamblia: a common cause of watery diarrhoea, bloating and fatty stools. It spreads through contaminated water and food and among nursery children.
• Cryptosporidium parvum: causes watery diarrhoea, particularly in children and immunocompromised people. It resists chlorine and can therefore spread in swimming pools.
• Entamoeba histolytica: causes amoebic dysentery, more often after visiting tropical regions. It can cause bloody diarrhoea and, rarely, a liver abscess.

The panel does not detect roundworms, tapeworms or pinworms, or bacteria and viruses. Broader testing for eggs and cysts is available through a stool cyst and parasite examination, and for pinworm through a perianal tape test.

What testing involves and preparation

You collect the stool sample yourself at home, and no special diet is needed. Collect stool in a clean, dry container or on paper without mixing it with urine or toilet water. Using the spoon in the lid, transfer a walnut-sized sample into the container; if mucus or blood is visible, include that portion too. Close securely, label with your name and date, and bring it in as soon as possible.

One stool sample is submitted, and a doctor may request repeat testing if symptoms persist. If you have already started antibiotics or antiparasitic medicines, mention this when submitting the sample.

What your results mean

• Positive: the named parasite was found in stool. A doctor prescribes medicine and advises whether household members also need testing. For amoeba, a positive result is interpreted alongside symptoms because a related harmless species also exists in the intestine.
• Negative: none of the three parasites were found. Infection is less likely but not entirely excluded, particularly early on or if parasite shedding is intermittent.

A doctor interprets results alongside your symptoms. If results are negative but diarrhoea persists, they may repeat testing or investigate another cause, such as bacteria, viruses or inflammatory bowel disease, which may be suggested by faecal calprotectin.

How to arrange testing

Testing requires no referral or appointment, and every branch accepts stool samples (listed on the Contact page). Prices for all tests and panels are available in the price list. For acute diarrhoea, a doctor may also request stool tests for bacteria or a Viral Gastro Panel.

Frequently asked questions

How does the panel differ from stool cyst and parasite examination?

The panel specifically checks for three parasites: Giardia, Cryptosporidium and the amoeba Entamoeba histolytica. Stool cyst and parasite examination is broader and also detects roundworm and tapeworm eggs. The more suitable test depends on your symptoms, and a doctor can help you choose.

Is there a home parasite test?

You collect the stool sample at home, and testing takes place in the laboratory. This reliably distinguishes parasites, allowing a doctor to decide on treatment from the result.

Should the whole family be tested?

A doctor decides according to the parasite type. Giardia and Cryptosporidium spread easily among household members and children, so testing is often advised for everyone with symptoms.

Can I go swimming while I have diarrhoea?

No. Do not swim in pools while you have diarrhoea; if Cryptosporidium is detected, wait another two weeks after diarrhoea stops. Wash hands regularly, particularly after using the toilet and before preparing food.