Diagnosing Chagas Disease

A specific test is necessary for the diagnosis of Chagas disease. The test detects the presence of the infection through analysis of a blood sample. Anyone who suspects that they may have Chagas disease should ask their doctor to order this test.

Patients who test positive for the infection should have a cardiac check-up. This is done using radiography, an electrocardiogram and occasionally an echocardiogram. Depending on whether or not the patient reports digestive symptoms, the doctor will decide if a digestive tract assessment is needed.