What is the Echinococcus (Hydatid) Antibodies Test?

The Echinococcus (Hydatid) Antibodies test is a blood test that detects antibodies produced by the immune system in response to infection with Echinococcus species, most commonly Echinococcus granulosus. This parasite causes hydatid disease, a condition characterised by cyst formation in organs such as the liver and lungs.

Humans become accidental hosts through ingestion of parasite eggs, often via contaminated food, water or contact with infected animals. The test does not detect the parasite itself but identifies immune exposure, which supports diagnosis when imaging findings are suggestive.

Serological testing is commonly used alongside ultrasound, CT or MRI imaging in suspected hydatid disease.

Why do I need a test for Echinococcus (Hydatid) Antibodies?

You may need this test if imaging has identified cystic lesions or if you have lived in or travelled to regions where hydatid disease is endemic. Infection can remain asymptomatic for years until cysts grow large enough to cause symptoms.

Early identification supports appropriate monitoring, treatment planning and surgical risk assessment.

Symptoms and scenarios where testing is recommended:

• Liver or lung cysts on imaging
• Abdominal pain or swelling
• Chronic cough or chest discomfort
• Shortness of breath
• Unexplained organ cysts
• Contact with dogs or livestock
• Travel or residence in endemic regions
• Pre-surgical evaluation of cystic lesions

Benefits of the Echinococcus (Hydatid) Antibodies Test

• Supports diagnosis of hydatid disease
  Helps confirm parasitic exposure.
• Non-invasive blood-based testing
  Requires only a venous blood sample.
• Useful alongside imaging studies
  Complements ultrasound or CT findings.
• Identifies chronic parasitic infection
  Detects immune response to long-standing disease.
• Guides clinical and surgical decisions
  Supports risk assessment and treatment planning.
• Useful in symptomatic and asymptomatic cases
  Infection may be silent for years.
• Established parasitology marker
  Widely used in infectious disease diagnostics.
• Supports long-term monitoring
  Antibody levels may assist follow-up assessment.

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 Echinococcus 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 / Low Antibody Levels

No detectable antibodies found.
This makes active or past hydatid disease less likely, though early infection cannot be fully excluded.

Borderline / Low-Positive Levels

Low-level antibodies detected.
Results should be interpreted with imaging findings and clinical history.

Positive Antibody Levels

Antibodies detected, suggesting exposure to Echinococcus.
Further imaging and specialist referral are usually recommended.

Antibody levels do not always correlate with cyst size or activity.