Analysis of feces for enterobiasis, how to take?
The analysis of feces for enterobiasis is a diagnostic study aimed at identifying adult pinworms or their eggs in human feces. It is enterobiasis that is the most common helminthic invasion in the world. The vast majority of patients are children, however, the adult population is also susceptible to enterobiasis. About 460 million people are infected worldwide. In the general structure of helminthiasis, enterobiasis accounts for up to 91% of invasions. Therefore, the analysis of feces for enterobiasis is one of the urgent diagnostic studies that allow, with a certain degree of probability, to identify helminthic invasion.
Stool microscopy for enterobiasis is the standard method of investigation for suspected parasitic infestation. It is prescribed to all children and adults who suspect pinworm infection. The presence of symptoms of enterobiasis is the basis for the appointment of an analysis. Therefore, a person should be alerted to the following health disorders: abdominal pain, allergic manifestations on the skin, anal itching, frequent urinary tract infections, enuresis in a child, increased fatigue, headaches, restless sleep. The symptoms of the disease will be especially pronounced in childhood. In adults, the severity of symptoms depends on the massiveness and duration of the invasion.
Content:
- How is the test for enterobiasis taken?
- How much is the analysis done for enterobiasis?
- How long is the test for enterobiasis valid?
How is the test for enterobiasis taken?
For the implementation of the most accurate and correct diagnosis of the analysis of feces for enterobiasis, it is important to limit oneself from mistakes when collecting biological material to be examined. The final result is influenced by such factors as: the speed of its delivery to the laboratory, preliminary administration of medications, compliance with the rules for collecting feces, the quality of the work of laboratory technicians, the timing of laying eggs by pinworms.
The analysis of feces for enterobiasis should be taken several times, especially if there is a suspicion of helminthic invasion. The fact is that there is a high probability of getting into the so-called "silent period", when female pinworms are in the intestines and wait for the eggs to ripen. At this time, it is quite problematic to detect individuals of helminths or their eggs in feces.
In general, most doctors are inclined to believe that the analysis of feces for enterobiasis is not very informative, which is associated with the morphobiology of the parasites of this species. After all, it is known for certain that they do not lay eggs in the intestinal lumen. For laying, the worms crawl through the anus to the perianal folds. Nevertheless, in a number of cases (about 30%), it is possible to detect parasites or their eggs in the feces (if they were washed from the perianal folds), and it is also possible to detect the eggs of other helminths, for example, ascaris or tapeworms.
Before taking a feces test for enterobiasis, you need to prepare. To do this, you need to exclude the use of any rectal suppositories, do not do cleansing enemas, do not take antibiotics and laxatives. Otherwise, the feces for the analysis of enterobiasis will be unsuitable.
The sampling of feces for enterobiasis is carried out as follows:
- Stool samples should be taken from different areas of the stool: from the side, from below, from the inside. Thus, it will be possible to increase the information content of the study. If suddenly a person independently saw parasites or parts of them in the feces, then it is imperative to put the discovered material into a container that will be sent to the laboratory.
- As for the volumes to be collected. The minimum volume is about two teaspoons. A smaller amount of feces will not allow obtaining reliable information about helminthic invasion.
- Containers that are intended for collecting feces must be impervious and must have a tight lid. It is very convenient for this purpose to use special containers that are available for sale in pharmacies. As a rule, a spoon is included with the container with which it is convenient to collect biomaterial. Although you can use a box or a regular jar. The container does not need to be sterilized, just wash it well.
- The sooner the samples are delivered to the laboratory, the more informative the result will be. However, feces may not be entirely fresh; it can be stored under certain conditions throughout the day.
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Care should be taken to ensure that no foreign matter gets into the container and stool. In this case, we are talking about urine or vaginal discharge. Therefore, it is advisable to urinate before having a bowel movement. If at the time of the analysis the woman is menstruating, then a tampon should be used. Only then can you start collecting material.
- When a baby's feces are required for examination, it can be taken from a baby pot or diaper.
- If it is not possible to send the container with biomaterial to the laboratory immediately, then it should be tightly closed and refrigerated. There it can be stored at temperatures from 0 to +4 ° C for no more than 24 hours. If you violate the rules for storing feces, then this will negatively affect the interpretation of the data.
- If possible, a morning portion of feces should be delivered to the study. It is important not to forget to sign the container before submitting it to the laboratory. You need to indicate not only your initials, but also the date of collection of the material.
- You should tune in in advance that the feces for enterobiasis will need to be taken about three times, and maybe even more (no more than five times).
If a person knows that he will not be able to deliver feces to the laboratory for knocking, and there will be no opportunity to collect a new portion, then the biomaterial should be immediately collected in a special solution. For this, 70% ethyl alcohol is suitable, which can be purchased with a prescription at the pharmacy. Alternatively, you can use a 50% glycerin solution. To do this, glycerin must be mixed with distilled water (90 ml of water, 50 ml of glycerin). In the resulting composition, feces can be stored for 2-3 weeks. One part of feces will require three parts of a preservative.
How much is the analysis done for enterobiasis?
Analysis for enterobiasis is done within a day. As a result, the person receives a form on which the conclusion will be written. Normally, worm eggs and pinworms in the feces should not be found. Nevertheless, it should be remembered that the information content of the method, especially with a single delivery of feces, is very low and ranges from 30 to 50%. Therefore, it may be necessary to deliver the biomaterial to the laboratory several more times.
How long is the test for enterobiasis valid?
The analysis for enterobiasis is valid for 10 days. That is, if a person has not presented a certificate at the place of demand during this time, he will need to donate feces for helminthic invasion again.
However, these terms do not mean that you will need to visit a polyclinic every 10 days. In various institutions, a document on the absence of enterobiasis in a person is required at different intervals.
- Preschool children attending kindergartens must donate feces for enterobiasis once a year. Additional tests may be required if the child has been absent from the preschool educational institution for a long time.
- If an adult gets a job at an enterprise where it is necessary to have a health book, then he must pass an analysis for enterobiasis 2 times a year. Although it is possible that the company's internal charter will require more frequent delivery of biomaterials.
- If a person regularly visits the pool, then he will also need to submit a certificate at least 2 times a year.
- Be sure to carry out an analysis for enterobiasis before registering a voucher for a spa treatment.
Naturally, if a person has symptoms of enterobiasis, then one should not wait for any deadlines and consult a doctor as soon as possible for a high-quality diagnosis.
Author of the article: Danilova Tatyana Vyacheslavovna | Infectionist
Education: in 2008 received a diploma in General Medicine (General Medicine) at the Pirogov Russian Research Medical University. Immediately passed an internship and received a diploma of a therapist
