How is American trypanosomiasis (Chagas disease) diagnosed?

How is American trypanosomiasis (Chagas disease) diagnosed?

Your healthcare provider diagnoses Chagas disease with a simple blood test. The test looks for the presence of antibodies against the parasite.

After a positive diagnosis and complete history, your provider may recommend cardiac testing to rule out heart or gastrointestinal complications. These tests may include:

• Echocardiogram, which uses sound waves to create a detailed picture of your heart.
• Electrocardiogram (EKG, ECG), which uses electrodes attached to your skin to record your heart’s electrical activity.
• X-ray or CT scan of the abdomen or chest to check for an enlarged colon or esophagus.