Can a barium meal test detect parasites?

Question

Can a barium meal test detect parasites?

Answer 1

A CT and/or MRI scan can be used to diagnose certain parasitic infestations such as cystercercosis and echinococcus cysts. Both of these scans would require contrast, which the patient would have to drink in order to opacify the gi tract on the imaging study. Occasionally, small bowel enteroclysis with barium can be used to diagnose cases of tapeworm infestation. The term "barium meal or swallow" refers to a test used to diagnose upper GI tract disorders and most gi parasites are confined to the lower gi tract. So yes, the patient would have to drink barium but it would be for diagnosis with CT and/or MRI and would not technically be called a barium meal or swallow.

Answer 2

No barium testing looks for swallowing difficulties or blockages in the gastrointestinal tract. A stool sample is needed to check for parasites.

Answer 3

Yes, but ordinarily not. You can occasionally see roundworms in the intestines with a barium meal. Tapeworms are uncommon in the region where I practiced, so I don't know about them. A doctor rarely, if ever, orders contrast studies just to detect parasites. Most intestinal parasitic infections are diagnosed via examination of the f***s.

Answer 4

No. A stool sample can, though.