FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ON PARASITIC INFECTIONS
1.Are we subject to parasitic infection in the United States?
Yes, because of modern transportation systems, labor movements and foreign travel. All these factors contribute to an increased risk of parasitic infections.
2. What are the advantages/risks of using antibiotics vs. herbal remedies?
Antibiotics depress the immune system while herbal products are more friendly to the body's immune system.
3. Could hair loss, weight loss or memory loss be related to parasitic infections?
Definitely related. Parasite induced variables include their toxic, and metabolic byproducts and chemicals affecting these and immune related imbalances.
4. Could intestinal parasites cause diarrhea, constipation, irritable bowel, cramps, gas, bloating, bleeding, itching, poor digestion, or malabsorption?
That is what intestinal parasites normally do, by causing direct injury to healthy tissue or by interfering with normal intestinal function.
5.Could intestinal parasites cause fatigue, allergies, muscle/joint pain, skin abnormalities/sores/dermatitis, headache, insomnia, nausea, dry cough, or lymph blockage?
This is often the case. Toxic byproducts of the parasites can induce any of these symptoms which may be related to cell-mediated immune dysfunctions.
6.Does the water in the US have parasites?
About one-fourth of domestic households carry parasites in their water. About one-fifth of U.S. households supplied by surface water treatment plants will introduce such parasites as Giardia and Cryptosporidium in tap water.
7. Can pets carry/transmit human parasites?
Yes. Certain pets (particularly dogs and cats) carry intermediate stages of some tapeworm parasites that infect humans as adults upon close (intimate) contact, such as kissing or licking. Pets may also be infested with arthopod ecto-parasites (mites, fleas, ticks, etc.) that may cause injury directly or by transmitting pathogens of diseases infecting them to humans. At PCI we also test for pet and other animal parasites using the same kit and procedures.
8. How can I get my pet tested?
You can get your pet tested by following the same procedures for testing on humans.
9.Could antibiotics taken for other reasons affect parasites infections ?
They usually do in all ages because they compromise the immune system as well as the balance of the intestinal flora by killing off the good bacteria.
10.Could balanced emotional, mental, spiritual, and physical status help fight parasites?
These variables are usually interrelated. There appears to be a definate correlation between the physical, mental, and emotional levels of organization in the context of healing modalities.
11. How can you verify that your feeling of being parasitized reflects reality?
You can verify this feeling of parasitic infection in your body by sending specimens for objective testing at PCI. You may initiate this yourself or by going through your health care practitioner (MD, ND, DC, etc.). Fill out and send this online Parasite Questionnaire for a full assesment of your case and PCI recommendations.
12. Can I get tested for parasites at PCI?
Yes. Anyone from anywhere in the world can be tested for parasites using our mailable testing packages.
13. How do I obtain this mailable package and get tested?
You may order PCI testing collection and transport packages by ordering from our Tests page. After receiving the package, open it and make sure everything is there. Please fill out the Requisition Form completely and mail it back with the specimens.
14. What are the guidelines for international shipping?
Please visit our International Shipping page for overseas guidelines.
15. HOW TO SHIP BACK SPECIMENS?
Shipping back to PCI is the responsibility of the patient, you can use any courier that you like (USPS, UPS, FedEx). Full GI, Swab Culture, and H. pylori tests must get back to PCI in 3 business days; all other tests are not time sensitive and can be sent back using any service.
16. How much does the test cost and how to proceed?
Please go to our tests page for all tests and prices.
17. How soon will I get the test results back?
Test results will be made available to your referring practitioner (who you indicated on the Requisition Form) 2 to 5 working days from time of receipt of specimens in the laboratory. All swab cultures and the H. pylori test must allow 2-3 weeks for results.
If you have a patient account set up on the website you will receive an email when results are done so that you can log into your account and retrieve the test results
