If you think you have a tapeworm infection, speak to your GP so they can give you a diagnosis.
Diagnosing a tapeworm infection
Infection with an adult tapeworm is diagnosed by finding eggs, larvae or segments from the tapeworm in your faeces (stools). If the pork or beef tapeworm has caused the infection, any segments in your stool may be moving.
Your GP will give you a sterile container and ask you to provide a sample of your stools. Your GP is also likely to check the area around your anus for signs of tapeworm eggs or larvae.
Even if you can see tapeworm segments in your stools yourself, you should still visit your GP so they can diagnose your condition and arrange treatment.
Diagnosing a tapeworm larvae infection
Depending on the type of tapeworm, infection with tapeworm larvae may be diagnosed using:
- imaging techniques, such as a chest X-ray, ultrasound scan, CT (computerised tomography) scan or MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) scan
- blood tests to check for antibodies to the infection
- tests to check if organs such as your liver are working normally
