String test

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Ascaris lumbricoides egg Gelatin capsule in stomach

Overview Risks Results

String test

This test involves swallowing a string to obtain a sample, which is then tested to detect the presence of intestinal parasites. The string test is rarely performed in the U.S.

You swallow a string with a weighted gelatin capsule on the end and then it is pulled back out after 4 hours. Any bile, blood, or mucus attached to the string is examined under the microscope for cell types and segments of parasites or eggs.

Food and fluid may be restricted for 12 hours before the test.

For infants and children:

The preparation you can provide for this test depends on your child's age and experience. For specific information regarding how you can prepare your child, see the following:

• Infant test or procedure preparation (birth to 1 year)
• Toddler test or procedure preparation (1 to 3 years)
• Preschooler test or procedure preparation (3 to 6 years)
• Schoolage test or procedure preparation (6 to 12 years)
• Adolescent test or procedure preparation (12 to 18 years)

You may find it difficult to swallow the string, and you may feel an urge to vomit when the string is pulled up.

The test is performed when there is a suspicion of parasitic infestation but parasites are not detected by stool examination.

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