Identifying Tapeworm Segments: What to Expect After Treatment

A tapeworm is an intestinal parasite. You can get a tapeworm infection by eating contaminated food products or drinking water that has been contaminated with tapeworm eggs and larvae. Identifying tapeworms is possible prior to and after treatment. Segments (proglottids) of the worm, as well as eggs, can be seen in your stool.

Things You'll Need

• Stool sample
• Blood test
• Scotch tape test

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Instructions

Segment Identification

• 1

  Watch your stools for segments of a tapeworm. Segmented tapeworms will appear in your stool as spaghetti-like strings.

• 2

  Check your stool for eggs. Eggs will appear as small pieces of rice-like forms.

• 3

  Follow up with physician visit

  Consult with your physician and obtain treatment for your tapeworm infection.

• 4

  Blood being drawn

  Schedule a follow up appointment after concluding your treatment. According to the Mayo Clinic, you should schedule appointments after your first and third month of treatment.

• 5

  Undergo tests such as a stool sample test and blood test to verify that you have been cleared of the tapeworm infection. Get a scotch tape test if necessary to check for the presence of eggs around your anus.