What is the Chagas Disease Serology (Trypanosoma cruzi) Test?

The Chagas Disease Serology test detects antibodies produced by the immune system in response to infection with Trypanosoma cruzi. This parasite causes Chagas disease, also known as South American trypanosomiasis, and is primarily transmitted by triatomine insects (“kissing bugs”).

After the initial acute phase, the infection often becomes chronic and may remain asymptomatic for many years. During this chronic phase, serological antibody testing is the primary method for diagnosis.

This test is commonly used for screening individuals with past exposure risk, migrants from endemic regions and those with unexplained cardiac or gastrointestinal symptoms.

Why do I need a test for Chagas Disease Serology?

You may need this test if you have lived in or travelled to areas where Chagas disease is endemic, particularly parts of Central and South America. Many infected individuals are unaware they carry the parasite until complications develop years later.

Early identification allows appropriate monitoring and treatment, helping reduce the risk of long-term heart and digestive complications.

Symptoms and scenarios where testing is recommended:

• Birth or long-term residence in Central or South America
• History of insect exposure in endemic areas
• Unexplained cardiomyopathy or arrhythmias
• Chronic digestive symptoms (megacolon or megaoesophagus)
• Screening during pregnancy
• Blood or organ donor screening
• Unexplained heart failure at a young age
• Family history of Chagas disease

Benefits of the Chagas Disease Serology Test

• Identifies chronic Trypanosoma cruzi infection
  Detects immune response to long-standing infection.
• Supports early intervention and monitoring
  Enables proactive management of complications.
• Essential for cardiac risk assessment
  Chagas disease commonly affects the heart.
• Useful in asymptomatic individuals
  Identifies infection before symptoms develop.
• Supports pregnancy and donor screening
  Reduces transmission risk.
• Widely accepted diagnostic approach
  Standard method for chronic Chagas disease.
• Non-invasive blood-based testing
  Simple venous blood sample.
• Guides specialist referral and care
  Supports infectious disease and cardiology input.

Step-by-Step: How Testing Works

Choose your preferred testing method

You can attend one of our UK partner clinics or arrange a home or hotel visit with a mobile phlebotomist.

Option 1 – In-Clinic Blood Draw

1. Select your nearest UK clinic and book an appointment.
2. A clinician or phlebotomist collects a venous blood sample.
3. The sample is analysed for Trypanosoma cruzi antibodies.
4. Results are delivered securely online.

Option 2 – Home or Hotel Phlebotomy (+£60)

1. Book a UK-wide home or hotel visit at a convenient time.
2. A trained phlebotomist collects your blood sample on-site.
3. The sample is transported to the laboratory.
4. Results are uploaded digitally without the need to travel.

Your Results Explained

Negative Result

No antibodies to Trypanosoma cruzi detected.
This suggests no evidence of current or past Chagas disease.

Positive Result

Antibodies to Trypanosoma cruzi detected.
This indicates past or chronic infection and requires further clinical evaluation.

Indeterminate Result

Results are inconclusive.
Repeat testing or confirmatory assays may be recommended.

Serological results should be interpreted alongside clinical history and exposure risk.