Toxicity Screening Panel for Giardia lamblia (Plasma/Serum)

What This Test Measures

Giardia lamblia is a parasite that can live in your intestines and cause symptoms like persistent diarrhea, bloating, nausea, or stomach cramps. This test detects antibodies produced by your immune system in response to an infection, which can appear days to weeks after exposure. Antibodies are proteins your body makes to fight off germs, but they don’t directly measure the parasite itself.

How the Test Works

The test uses a blood sample (plasma or serum) to identify specific antibodies against Giardia. These antibodies are detected through an immunoassay method, which measures the presence of these proteins in your bloodstream. This helps your healthcare provider determine if you’ve been exposed to the parasite.

Why It’s Done

Doctors may order this test if you have symptoms like chronic diarrhea, abdominal pain, or weight loss that could be linked to Giardia infection. It’s also used in travelers or individuals in areas with higher parasite risk to diagnose or monitor suspected cases.

Possible Results and Next Steps

A positive result means your blood contains antibodies suggesting past or current Giardia infection. A negative result indicates no detectable antibodies at the time of testing. If symptoms persist, your doctor may recommend retesting or additional diagnostic tests, such as stool samples, to confirm the diagnosis.