Giardia duodenalis Antigen in Stool by Immunoassay (Qualitative/Quantitative Probe)

Why This Test Matters

Giardia is a common parasite that can infect the intestines, causing symptoms such as persistent diarrhea, gas, nausea, or abdominal pain. This test helps doctors confirm if you have an infection caused by Giardia duodenalis, which can be especially important if you’ve traveled to areas with poor sanitation or if you’ve had recent gastrointestinal issues.

What to Expect Before the Test

No special preparation is usually needed for this test. You’ll provide a sample of your stool, which is collected in a container provided by your healthcare provider. If you’re taking certain medications that might affect stool consistency, let your doctor know.

How the Test Works

The test uses a probe to detect specific genetic material (antigen) from Giardia in your stool. This helps confirm whether the parasite is present, even if symptoms aren’t immediately obvious.

Possible Results and Next Steps

A positive result means Giardia antigens were found in your stool, suggesting an active infection. A negative result means the test did not detect the parasite, but other causes of your symptoms could still be investigated. Follow-up testing or treatment may be recommended based on your doctor’s assessment.