What is a common diagnostic method for identifying helminth infections?

Stool examination is the most common diagnostic method for identifying helminth infections because many helminths, or parasitic worms, are expelled from the host's body through the gastrointestinal tract. A stool sample can be analyzed microscopically to identify ova (eggs) and, in some cases, adult worms. This method is effective for detecting various types of intestinal helminths, such as roundworms, hookworms, and tapeworms.

Other methods, such as blood tests, may be useful for detecting certain parasitic infections, but they are not specifically designed for identifying helminths in the gastrointestinal system. X-ray imaging is primarily used for visualizing structures within the body and is not effective for detecting helminths. Endoscopy involves visual examination of the gastrointestinal tract but is invasive and not routinely used for diagnosing helminth infections when stool examination is available.