Candida is actually the name given to a type of yeast. In fact, there are hundreds of types of candida which can cause infections in humans. However, it should be noted that this type of fungus normally lives outside the body, its most common locations are your mouth, throat, and vagina.
When a candida fungal infection grows your medical professional will refer to it as candidiasis. Of course, there are numerous different symptoms depending on the exact infection and how serious it is.
As with any medical issue, the sooner it is diagnosed, the easier it is to treat.
Diagnosis Tests for Candida
There are only two effective ways of testing for candida, by drawing blood or by taking a stool sample.
It’s important to note that if you opt for a blood test you’ll need to visit your local Brisbane Pathology Lab. They will take care of everything for you and talk you through the process.
However, the results will not be instant as the blood will need to be sent away for comprehensive testing.
The stool test can be performed in the privacy of your own home. You’ll be sent everything you need, including instructions, to allow you to collect the stool, label it correctly and send it to the lab.
You’ll be advised which lab to send it to.
Once the results are ready you can visit your medical practitioner to discuss whether you have candida and the level of infection. This will dictate the treatment plan you need to follow.
The Difference Between Blood & Stool Candida Tests
A blood test will tell you whether the fungus is present in your body. However, there are many things that can influence the levels of candida in your blood at a given time. This makes it the less reliable method of testing for candida.
The preferred, and more accurate option is via a stool test, this will tell you definitively whether you have candida and how serious the infection is.
The advantage of this is that the treatment plan will be much more effective.
Book in to the Brisbane Naturopath clinic today and investigate whether Candida is affecting you.
