Strongyloides Antibodies
This blood test detects antibodies to Strongyloides stercoralis, a parasitic roundworm infection. It is especially important when symptoms are subtle or before immunosuppression.
Turnaround time
10 days
Biomarkers count
1
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Details about Strongyloides Antibodies
What is the Strongyloides Antibodies Test?
The Strongyloides Antibodies test is a blood test that detects IgG antibodies produced by the immune system in response to infection with Strongyloides stercoralis. This parasite can persist in the body for many years and may cause chronic or intermittent symptoms.
Unlike stool tests, which can miss the parasite due to intermittent shedding, antibody testing is more sensitive for detecting exposure or infection. It is particularly valuable when stool tests are negative but clinical suspicion remains high.
This test is widely used for screening individuals with a history of travel, unexplained gastrointestinal symptoms, or before starting treatments that suppress the immune system.
Why do I need a Strongyloides Antibodies test?
Strongyloides infection can remain asymptomatic or cause mild symptoms for years, making it easy to overlook. However, in people who become immunosuppressed, the infection can become severe and potentially life-threatening.
You may need this test if you experience:
- Chronic or intermittent diarrhoea
- Abdominal pain or bloating
- Unexplained weight loss
- Persistent cough or wheezing
- Skin rashes or itching
- Eosinophilia on blood tests
- History of travel or residence in endemic regions
- Planned steroid therapy, chemotherapy, or organ transplantation
Early identification is crucial, especially before immune-suppressing treatments, as untreated infection carries significant risks.
Benefits of the test
- Sensitive detection of hidden infection
Identifies infection even when stool tests are negative. - Essential before immunosuppression
Reduces risk of severe disseminated infection. - Explains unexplained symptoms
Helps investigate chronic gut, respiratory, or skin symptoms. - Useful for travel-related screening
Ideal after exposure in endemic areas. - Non-invasive testing
Requires only a blood sample. - Supports clinical risk assessment
Aids decisions on further investigations or monitoring. - Detects long-standing infection
Useful even years after exposure. - Improves patient safety
Helps prevent complications from untreated parasitic infection.
Step-by-step: How we offer testing
Clinic-based testing (UK-wide)
- Choose your nearest UK clinic
- Attend your appointment
- A clinician draws a blood sample
- Sample is sent to the laboratory
- Results are issued once analysis is complete
Home or hotel visit (+£60, UK-wide)
- Book a mobile phlebotomist
- Blood sample taken at your home or hotel
- No need to travel to a clinic
- Sample securely transported to the laboratory
Your results explained
Negative (no antibodies detected)
- No detectable antibodies to Strongyloides
- UK standard: Negative
- Suggests no evidence of current or past infection
Borderline / equivocal
- Low-level antibodies detected
- UK standard: Equivocal
- May reflect early infection or declining antibody levels
Positive (antibodies detected)
- IgG antibodies present
- UK standard: Positive
- Indicates current or past infection and requires clinical correlation
How It Works
Simple steps to get your results
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Choose your test online and book in seconds. Select your preferred clinic location or home visit option.
Visit or Test at Home
Attend one of our UK or London clinics, arrange a home nurse visit, or use a finger-prick kit where available.
Get Your Results
Your sample is analysed by accredited UK laboratories, with secure results delivered directly to you.
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WhatsApp UsHow to Prepare for Your Test
Follow these guidelines for accurate results
Sample Timing
Where possible, attend your blood test between 7am and 12pm. Please wait until any short-term illness or infection has fully resolved before testing. Avoid intense exercise for 24–48 hours beforehand, as this can affect certain markers.
Fasting & Hydration
Fasting is not always required, but some tests may recommend it. If fasting is advised, avoid food for 8–12 hours before your appointment and drink water only. Stay well hydrated, as this helps with sample collection and accuracy.
Medications & Supplements
Continue prescribed medications unless advised otherwise by your clinician. Avoid vitamin, mineral, or biotin supplements for at least 24–48 hours before your test, as these can interfere with results. If you are unsure about any medication or supplement, please let us know before your appointment.
Hormones & Menstrual Cycle
For hormone-related tests, timing within your menstrual cycle may be important. If relevant, follow any specific guidance provided on your test page.
If you have any questions or special circumstances, our team is happy to advise before your appointment.