Investigation of parasitic disturbances in the intestines through microscopic and immunological examination.
Feces Home Test
Collect a small sample with the spatula
Place the sample in the provided tube
Return via medical mail to the lab
Parasites cause chronic inflammation and interfere with the host's metabolism. In cases of disrupted gut microbiota and compromised barrier resistance, parasites can develop a strong pathological potential.
Parasitological examination originally took place by microscopic stool examination for cysts, the encapsulated parasite. As cysts, parasites can survive outside the body for longer periods, for example, in soil.
However, there are parasites that do not form cysts. These parasites are very sensitive to oxygen and will quickly disappear after the faecal sample is collected.
Therefore, the TFT was developed, in which parasites are fixed and can then be detected via microscopic examination. This examination also includes immunological testing for antibodies of several common parasites.
Since 2010, a new, fast, and cheaper method has been available for the detection of parasitic infections, the qPCR method, which is a DNA-based examination for parasites. Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) is a rapid and highly sensitive method to multiply one or more specific parts from small amounts of genetic material, which can then be analysed. The sensitivity of PCR is higher than the sensitivity of traditional cyst/worm egg examination and the TFT. However, worm eggs are not detected by PCR. Sporadically occurring parasites such as Cyclospora and Isospora belli or apathogenic species such as Entamoeba coli, Endolimax nana, or Iodamoeba butschlii are also not found using PCR. The PCR method is therefore highly sensitive, but unfortunately extremely low in specificity. This means that the results of the PCR method are very reliable, but only a very limited number of parasites are tested. Therefore, RP Sanitas Humanus works with the high-quality parasitological Triple Feces Test (TFT).
The excretion of parasites is irregular. Therefore, for this test, faecal samples are collected over three days. Another characteristic of this test is that on days 1 and 3, sodium acetate acetic acid formalin (SAF) is used as a fixative. This ensures that the parasites are preserved, so they do not disintegrate and can thus be properly detected. The preparations are then stained according to the Iron Haematoxylin Kinyoun method (IHK method), a very good staining method. On day 2, specifically, the internal structure (nuclei, vacuoles) of possible parasites is examined using a direct Iodine-Potassium-Iodide (IKI) staining method. The aforementioned characteristics of the TFT are responsible for a much higher specificity and sensitivity regarding parasites in feces than with the conventional method, which involves sedimentation of fresh feces with ether. Each sample is microscopically examined for parasitological disturbances such as worms, worm eggs, and protozoa. In addition, an immunological examination of the samples is also performed for Entamoeba histolytica, Cryptosporidium, and Giardia lamblia.
The collection of the 3 stool samples does not have to be on 3 consecutive days, but can be taken at intervals of several days, provided they are 3 consecutive bowel movements. However, the 3 stool samples may not be collected on one and the same day.
It is therefore important that the parasitological examination is performed with the TFT, because, in addition to immunological, microscopic examination also takes place, allowing a much wider range of parasitic disturbances to be detected.
This test has clinical value for specific complaints or indications, but is not intended as screening without symptoms.
Rationale for this test
Deze parasitologische test combineert verschillende methoden (microscopie, immunologie, PCR) voor het opsporen van darmparasieten. Parasitologisch onderzoek is een gevestigde diagnostische methode binnen de Nederlandse reguliere geneeskunde, met name bij specifieke klachten of na verblijf in endemische gebieden. De test is echter niet bedoeld als algemene screening zonder klachten of reisanamnese. De klinische betekenis van een positieve uitslag hangt sterk af van de context: klachten, reisgeschiedenis en immuunstatus.
Dutch clinical guidelines and healthcare organisations
We recommend consulting these independent sources before ordering a preventive health check.
Brochure on preventive health checks: careful choice, reliability, pros and cons, checklist.
Independent information about preventive health checks from the National Institute for Public Health and the Environment.
Reliable patient information about illnesses and complaints from Dutch GPs (NHG).
Public-facing website of the Dutch Society for Clinical Chemistry with explanations of blood tests and laboratory values.
Answers to what people usually want to know.
View instructionsFull instructions with visual guidanceAfter ordering we ship the kit to your home. You collect a small sample with the included scoop, keep it cool and return it in the envelope. You receive the result digitally by email.
Lay plastic film over the toilet or use a clean container. Scoop from the middle of the stool and avoid contact with urine or toilet water.
A small scoop with the included spoon is enough — about half a teaspoon. More is not better.
Maximum 24 to 48 hours in the fridge. Send as soon as possible and preferably early in the week, not just before the weekend.
Some analyses (like calprotectin) ask you to avoid NSAIDs or certain supplements 24-48 hours before collection. Check the instructions with your kit for the exact preparation for your test.
Stool analyses typically take about a week after the lab receives your sample. You get an email with a link to your digital result, including explanation per value.
In the included return envelope with free medical shipping. Drop it in the mailbox; the lab processes your sample as soon as it arrives. For some tests it's important to send it the same day — the instructions make this clear.
Feel free to contact us via WhatsApp, email or phone. We're happy to help you before, during or after your test. If the collection doesn't work, we'll arrange a solution or send new materials — no hassle.
Didn't find what you're looking for? Request a custom test
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