Which laboratory tests are recommended for the diagnosis of common helminth infections in the UK?

For the diagnosis of common helminth infections in the United Kingdom, the primary laboratory tests recommended include microscopic examination of stool samples for ova and parasites, which remains the cornerstone diagnostic method ¹ (Ridley, 1974). This involves concentration techniques such as formalin-ethyl acetate sedimentation to enhance detection sensitivity ¹. Serological tests may be used adjunctively, particularly for schistosomiasis and other tissue-invasive helminths, where antibody detection can support diagnosis when stool microscopy is negative or impractical ¹ (Hawkins et al., 2016). Molecular methods like PCR are emerging tools that offer increased sensitivity and specificity, especially in low-intensity infections or for species differentiation, but are not yet standard in routine UK practice ¹ (Hawkins et al., 2016). For schistosomiasis, urine microscopy for eggs and circulating antigen detection tests are also recommended in suspected cases ¹ (Liang et al., 2022). Overall, the diagnostic approach in the UK integrates stool microscopy as first-line, supplemented by serology and antigen detection depending on clinical suspicion and epidemiological context ¹ (Ridley, 1974; Hawkins et al., 2016; Liang et al., 2022).