Been in fresh water? Check for bilharzia
Bilharzia is picked up from rivers, dams and lakes in many parts of South Africa. This simple microscopy test checks a urine or stool sample for the parasite, so it can be treated early.
A simple sample at the branch. Bilharzia is common in SA fresh water.
How would you like to get started?
Book online
Pick a branch and a time that suits you. No doctor's referral needed.
Book a visitWhat does the test check?
A microscopy test that looks for the bilharzia parasite in a urine or stool sample, the simple, affordable way to check after freshwater exposure.
Bilharzia microscopy
Bilharzia Microscopy (urine, or stool if advised). A sample is examined under the microscope for the eggs of the schistosome parasite that causes bilharzia.
Three steps, no GP needed
Book or walk in
Book online or walk into any branch. No doctor's referral needed.
Provide a sample
You provide a urine sample, or a stool sample if advised, at the branch. No fasting needed.
Results in 2 to 5 days
A clear result with a free certificate you can share with your doctor.
Who is this for?
Most useful after contact with fresh water in a bilharzia area.
Swam in fresh water
You have been in a river, dam or lake in an area where bilharzia occurs.
Blood in your urine
A classic sign of urinary bilharzia that should be checked.
Returning travellers
You have come back from a region where bilharzia is common.
Living in an endemic area
Bilharzia occurs in parts of Limpopo, Mpumalanga, KwaZulu-Natal and the Eastern Cape.
Children who play in water
Children who swim or paddle in fresh water are often exposed.
Quiet peace of mind
You want to rule it out after exposure, even without symptoms.
What people say
Friendly and competent staff. Both at reception and the nurse. A much simpler process than going through doctors. Thank you ladies.
The staff at reception as well as the nurses are friendly and professional. I've also always received results timeously. I would give 10 stars if I could.
Highly highly highly recommend. The experience was painless and the practice was inviting and well kept. The report was extremely detailed and informative and I would have this as top of my list for preventive care.
Amazing experience, highly professional staff. Very reasonable prices. Highly recommend.
I cannot recommend Juliette and her team enough, friendly and kind from the get go. Bloods were drawn with minimal discomfort and the labs came back quickly.
Excellent experience at Epicentre. The staff were professional, kind, and took time to explain everything clearly. The facility was clean, booking was easy, and I did not feel rushed.
What this does not do
This is a microscopy screen for bilharzia. It is a starting point for a conversation with your doctor, not a complete assessment on its own.
- The parasite's eggs take several weeks to appear after exposure; testing too early can miss an infection.
- A single negative does not always rule it out; your doctor may advise a repeat test or a blood test.
- If you have blood in your urine or other symptoms, see a doctor as well as testing.
- Results are meant to inform a discussion with a registered practitioner.
Quick answers
Three walk-in labs
Durban
Mon to Fri, 08:30 to 16:00
Johannesburg
Mon to Fri, 08:30 to 16:00
Round out the picture
Medically reviewed by Dr Samantha Naidoo, MB ChB, FCP (SA), Medical Director at Epicentre Walk-In Labs. Reviewed 2 June 2026. Epicentre Aids Risk Management (Pty) Ltd provides diagnostic laboratory testing and does not provide diagnoses, treatment or prescriptions to the public; results are intended to inform discussions with a registered healthcare practitioner.
Been in fresh water? Check for bilharzia
No doctor's referral, results in 2 to 5 working days. Book a visit or walk in, or message us if you are not sure whether you need it.