COMPENDIUM ON FUNCTIONAL MEDICINE - Flipbook - Page 282
● Certain markers may indicate fungal or parasitic presence
● Provides indirect evidence of dysbiosis
● May detect metabolic effects of parasite presence
Immunoglobulin Testing
● Measures secretory IgA and other immunoglobulins
● Can indicate mucosal immune activation
● May be elevated in parasitic infections
Best Practices for Parasite Testing
Based on current research and clinical experience, these testing
approaches offer the best likelihood of accurate parasite
detection:
Multiple Sample Collection:
● Three separate stool samples collected over 7-10 days
● First morning specimens whenever possible
● Careful adherence to collection instructions
Combined Testing Methods:
● PCR-based testing as primary method
● Microscopy as complementary approach
● Immunoassays for specific parasites when indicated
Comprehensive Analysis:
● Testing that includes digestive markers
● Inflammation assessment
● Microbiome evaluation
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