Parasite diagnostics

We are the first Parasitology Center in the Republic of Kazakhstan, opened in 2016 on the basis of the KAZMED medical center. Over more than ten years of work, we detect parasites with high accuracy, applying more than 10 diagnostic methods per patient.

Our specialists regularly undergo training and take part in seminars and professional events on parasitology. Since the department opened, we have continuously expanded our range of effective methods for accurate and correct detection of helminths and protozoa.

We have at our disposal: microscopy, capable of identifying 22 species of helminths and protozoan cysts; high-precision PCR diagnostics, which allows detection of helminth and protozoan eggs at early stages; and ELISA diagnostics for determining antibodies in the body.

We are constantly expanding the center's diagnostic capabilities to ensure the most accurate and timely detection of helminths and protozoa possible.

The main indications for the test are:

• Allergic reactions (skin rash, itching).
• Chronic abdominal pain, stool disorders (diarrhea, constipation), nausea, vomiting.
• Itching around the anus, teeth grinding during sleep (bruxism).
• Chronic fatigue, nervousness, frequent colds, headaches.
• The test is also indicated as part of an annual preventive checkup.

Each of these methods addresses a different task, so they do not replace one another — they complement each other.

Stool microscopy Allows detection of eggs, larvae, and adult forms of parasites. At our center, the test covers more than 20 species of helminths and protozoa. To improve accuracy, biomaterial is collected three times.

PCR diagnostics Detects the parasite's DNA, allowing infection to be identified at the earliest stage — before eggs or larvae appear, and even before symptoms develop. Performed for specific parasite species. It is important to deliver the biomaterial (stool) to the laboratory fresh.

ELISA diagnostics Based on the "antigen–antibody" reaction and performed using blood. Allows determination of the body's immune response and detection of a parasitic infection even when the parasite's activity is low.

Each method detects different stages and forms of parasites, so combining them significantly increases diagnostic accuracy.

For this test, it is critically important to follow the collection rules to ensure high accuracy of the result. We have prepared a detailed, illustrated video guide that explains the entire biomaterial collection process, step by step, over several days.

Please watch this short video before you begin collection:

👉 [VIDEO GUIDE FOR STOOL COLLECTION FOR TESTING]

The video shows how to properly use the containers, how much material to collect, and how to store it

Yes, preparation is important. Before collecting the material, you should avoid:

• Enemas and laxative medications.
• Use of rectal suppositories.
• Taking iron, bismuth, or barium supplements/medications.
• Use of castor oil or mineral (petroleum jelly) oil.
• Material should not be collected earlier than 2 days after a stomach/intestinal X-ray or colonoscopy.

Yes. In parallel with the parasite test, we can perform the following from the same biomaterial:

• Coprogram (for a general assessment of digestion and inflammation).
• Pancreatic elastase (to assess pancreatic function).
• Fecal calprotectin (a marker of intestinal inflammation).
• Colonoflor-16 (assessment of intestinal microbiota/biocenosis).
• Fecal occult blood test (to assess the condition of the intestinal mucosa).

Before submitting a stool sample for a coprogram or occult blood test, it is important to exclude, for 3 days before the test, foods that could change the color or composition of the stool and distort the result.

Foods that discolor stool:

• Beets
• Blueberries, blackberries, black currants
• Spinach, leafy greens, broccoli
• Carrots, pumpkin
• Foods containing dyes (candy, soda, jelly)

If submitting a sample for occult blood (FOBT), exclude the following for 3 days:

• Red meat, liver, sausages
• Certain types of fish
• Vegetables high in iron and peroxidases:
  • broccoli
  • cauliflower
  • radish
  • horseradish

These can cause a false positive result.

We strive to provide diagnostics as quickly as possible. The turnaround time for microscopy results depends on your city:

• Almaty, Astana: 1–2 business days.
• Other cities in Kazakhstan: 3–4 business days.

Laboratory test results are available on the website https://kazmed.org/ under the "Test Results" section. To view them, you need to enter the order number located under the barcode on the form (provided there is no outstanding balance on the order).

Results can also be obtained by scanning the QR code printed on the form.

Almaty:

1.Aksai-5 microdistrict, building 12A

• Monday – Friday: 07:00 – 22:00
• Saturday: 08:00 – 18:00
• Sunday: closed

2. ST Darkhan-2, 29 (Askarova-Sadykova)

• Monday – Friday: 08:00 – 17:00
• Saturday: 08:00 – 12:00
• Sunday: closed

3. Abaya St., 61/Maulenova St., 124

• Monday – Friday: 08:00 – 17:00
• Saturday: 08:00 – 12:00
• Sunday: closed

4. Zharokova St., 154

• Monday – Friday: 08:00 – 17:00
• Saturday: 08:00 – 12:00
• Sunday: closed

Aktobe

Aliya Moldagulova Ave., 66/2

• Monday – Friday: 08:00 – 17:00
• Saturday: 08:00 – 13:00
• Sunday: closed

Astana

Kabanbay Batyr Ave., 5/1

• Monday – Friday: 08:00 – 18:00
• Saturday: 08:00 – 13:00
• Sunday: closed

Zharkent

Kunayev St., 310/1

• Monday – Friday: 08:00 – 17:00
• Saturday: 08:00 – 13:00
• Sunday: closed

Shymkent

15th microdistrict, 3

• Monday – Friday: 08:00 – 17:00
• Saturday: 08:00 – 12:00
• Sunday: closed

The days on which biomaterial is accepted depend on the type of test and the branch. We recommend confirming the exact dates and times before your visit.

Avoid fatty foods and alcohol for 24 hours before testing so as not to distort the results of the coprogram and other GI tract indicators.

Before submitting a stool sample for a coprogram or occult blood test, it is important to exclude, for 3 days before the test, foods that could change the color or composition of the stool and distort the result.

Foods that discolor stool:

• Beets
• Blueberries, blackberries, black currants
• Spinach, leafy greens, broccoli
• Carrots, pumpkin
• Foods containing dyes (candy, soda, jelly)

If submitting a sample for occult blood (FOBT), exclude the following for 3 days:

• Red meat, liver, sausages
• Certain types of fish
• Vegetables high in iron and peroxidases:
  • broccoli
  • cauliflower
  • radish
  • horseradish

These can cause a false positive result.

This is a fairly common situation. A negative result on a single test does not always rule out the presence of parasites.

This can be related to several reasons:

• the test was performed outside the phase of active egg shedding (for many parasites, this process is cyclical in nature);
• the collection guidelines were not followed;
• fragments or eggs of the parasite did not end up in the sample.

In such cases, we recommend:

• repeating the test after 7–10 days;
• undergoing PCR diagnostics (a more sensitive method that can detect even minimal fragments of parasite DNA);
• evaluating the condition of the gut microbiota and other GI tract indicators;
• consulting a parasitologist.

Yes, we accept biomaterial from children from birth.

Yes, you can get tested without a prior doctor's consultation — either by referral from another specialist or on your own initiative.

If needed, you can always consult a doctor afterward to interpret the results and get further recommendations.

Yes, once the diagnosis is confirmed, the doctor develops an individual treatment plan based on the type of parasite, the severity of symptoms, and the patient's individual characteristics.

Therapy may include:

• medication treatment;
• recommendations for restoring GI tract function;
• immune system support.

The test covers the detection of the following parasites:

Protozoa:

• Amoebida (amoebas)
• Lamblia intestinalis (giardia)
• Balantidium coli

Trematodes (flukes):

• Fasciola hepatica (liver fluke)
• Opisthorchis felineus (cat liver fluke)
• Clonorchis sinensis (Chinese liver fluke)
• Dicrocoelium lanceatum (lancet fluke)
• Schistosoma spp. (blood flukes)
• Metagonimus yokogawai
• Nanophyetus schikhobalowi

Cestodes (tapeworms):

• Taeniarhynchus saginatus (beef tapeworm)
• Taenia solium (pork tapeworm)
• Hymenolepis nana (dwarf tapeworm)
• Diphyllobothrium latum (broad fish tapeworm)
• Dipylidium caninum (dog tapeworm)
• Hymenolepis diminuta (rat tapeworm)

Nematodes (roundworms):

• Ascaris lumbricoides (roundworm)
• Trichocephalus trichiurus (whipworm)
• Enterobius vermicularis (pinworm)
• Ancylostoma duodenale (hookworm)
• Necator americanus (hookworm)
• Strongyloides stercoralis (threadworm)

These test methods do not replace one another — they complement each other, since they detect different aspects of a parasitic infection.

• Stool microscopy can detect eggs, larvae, or the parasites themselves, but it depends on their shedding phase.
• PCR diagnostics detects parasite DNA and is a more sensitive method capable of detecting even hidden forms. That said, this method is generally more expensive compared to other tests.
• A blood test (ELISA for antibodies) shows the immune system's response to the parasite, but does not always indicate a current active infection.

The optimal scope of testing is best selected together with a doctor, based on the clinical picture (symptoms), medical history, and indications.

If you decide to get tested on your own, we recommend starting with stool microscopy as the basic and accessible method, supplementing it with other tests as needed.