Echinococcus (hydatid serology) IgG Serum - Test, Procedure & Cost

This test is performed to detect antibodies to Echinococcus species, which includes E multilocularis and E granulosus. It is also referred to as hydatidosis or hydatid disease.

Echinococcus granulosus infects humans as intermediate hosts leading to Cystic Hydatid disease that affects the liver and lungs.

Causes of Echinococcus Genus Diseases

The disease is rendered by the accidental ingestion of Echinococcus eggs, which leads to cysts in the lungs or liver.

Signs and Symptoms:

The signs and symptoms when there is the presence of Echinococcus antigen in the body are -

• * Discomfort in the right side of the abdomen due to the presence of a cyst inside the liver
• * Swelling over the abdomen
• * Cough
• * Hemoptysis
• * Chest pain
• * Itching on the skin due to allergy, which is caused by the breaking of echinococcus cyst

Why is this test done?

The Echinococcus Antibody IgG test is conducted to restrict the existence of antibodies that the body produces in response to the presence of tapeworms belonging to the Echinococcus genus.

The test is mated with imaging tests that will provide conclusive proof of the existence of these cysts.

How to Prepare for Echinococcus Antibody IgG (Hydatid Serology) Test?

• * The doctor should be informed about all the regular medications that you consume.
• * They will recommend you stop taking them a few days before the test.
• * Only a tiny amount of blood is required for the test.
• * You should wear either a sleeveless or half-sleeved shirt or a full-sleeved shirt whose sleeves can be easily rolled up.

What does Hydatid serology tell us?

• * The Echinococcus Antibody IgG test result helps to distinguish whether the patient has a tapeworm infection.

• * If the result is negative, the patient will likely not have an infection.

How is the test performed?

• * The blood sample collection for the Echinococcus Antibody IgG test is to be done at a lab or a clinic.
• * A vein is selected for withdrawing blood.
• * A rubber tourniquet is wrapped above the vein.
• * The skin is now swabbed using an alcohol pad.
• * A needle is inserted into the vein, and blood is collected in small tubes.
• * The puncture site is covered with cotton for a little while.
• * The serum is taken from the blood and sent to the laboratory for further testing.

Results:

Normal value-

Index value (IV) between 0.000 and 0.890. Abnormal results:

• * 0.900-1.109 IV indicates that the presence of IgG Echinococcus antibody is doubtful.
• * 1.210 IV and more means that the test is positive for the Echinococcus IgG antibody. It could be due to a past or an active infection.