Re: Can a parasitic infection be diagnosed via Blood Test only?

Hello.

Re:
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I recently went to a hematologist for some blood work (my lupus doctor has given up on me, long story). I had recently undergone a Schulze liver cleanse, bowel cleanse, and a couple of colonics (thanks for the info, CureZone!). Well, a few days before my doctor's visit (a day after my last colonic), I passed a 10" (and two 3") length of what appeared to be a roundworm (no segments).

I mentioned this to the hematolgist, who chuckled and questioned how I could be certain it was a worm. Anyhoo...I get a call a few days later that went like this:
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In all fairness, it's true that you couldn't be certain that it was a worm of sorts, which is why next time I'd advise you to keep the specimen in 10% formalin (sold OTC) and to get in touch with BOTH a PARASITOLOGIST AND a VET to examine it. You'd be surprised the kind of experience that good Veterinarians have on visual identification of worms. Upon inspection, have them give you a signed record or report as evidence. Do not be dismayed if the "thing" doesn't turn out to be a worm. You were wrong, that's all.








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Dr: Your stool sample shows you don't have parasites.
Me: I didn't give you a stool sample, just blood.
Dr: Well, you don't have parasites.
Me: <>...OK.
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There's a "practition mistake" right there; how could he mistake a blood sample with stool? Something NOT right with the picture.







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So, I thought you needed a stool sample to test for parasites (and even then, you need MANY samples to test for all types of parasites). Can you test for them using blood only?"

Eventually, I suppose, tests will be devised which will detect ANY TYPE of infestation from a single drop of blood, even from breath itself (I'm slowly working on this). However, that is NOT the case today.

Most blood tests are NOT either conclusive or reliable in the detection of some types of parasites. Most tests won't detect most parasite species, just some. Have you any idea the diversity of parasites there are? I wonder if that m.d. does.






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Or is my doctor an idiot?
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In my humble opinion, your doctor is a scientific idiot, at best, and an outdated one at that.

The literature is LOADED with papers on the inefficacy of blood tests for the detection of parasites. Blood tests alone for the detection of parasites are NOT differential. How wouldn't your m.d. know this, when it's supposed to be his job to know it?

I'd stay as far away from that dude as possible, if I were you, and warn others, too.
Also, it wouldn't hurt to consider legal options, would it.
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