Toxicity Screening for Giardia duodenalis (Antibody) - Serum/Plasma
This test checks for antibodies in your blood that may indicate an infection with Giardia, a common parasite found in contaminated water or food.
["Giardia is often spread through poor hygiene and can cause stomach symptoms like diarrhea and bloating."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 5388-4
- Short code
- T gondii IgG SerPl IA-aCnc
- Synonyms
- T gondii IgG SerPl IA-aCnc
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Red-top tube (SST)
- Units
- N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Method
- ia
- CPT
- 82784
- Specimen volume
- 5 mL
- Stability
- Room temperature: 4h, Refrigerated: 24h, Frozen: 7d
- Hemolysis max
- 500
- Lipemia max
- 1000
- Icterus max
- 500
- TAT
- 4–24 hours
- Order
- routine
Why This Test Might Be Ordered
Your doctor may recommend this test if you’ve recently traveled to areas with poor sanitation, have unexplained digestive issues like chronic diarrhea, or have been exposed to contaminated water. It helps identify if Giardia parasites are causing your symptoms.
What to Expect Before the Test
No special preparation is needed. You’ll provide a blood sample, usually drawn from your arm. The test looks for antibodies your immune system produces in response to Giardia infection, rather than directly detecting the parasite itself.
What the Results Mean
A positive result suggests you may have been infected with Giardia in the past or currently. However, antibodies can stay in your system for months or years after infection. A positive result doesn’t always mean active infection—your doctor may order additional tests, like a stool sample, to confirm.
Common Symptoms of Giardia Infection
Symptoms may include persistent diarrhea, stomach cramps, bloating, gas, nausea, or weight loss. Some people have no symptoms at all. If you experience these, discuss them with your doctor.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Giardia is a leading cause of waterborne illness worldwide. It can lead to dehydration, malnutrition, and complications in people with weakened immune systems. Early diagnosis helps prevent prolonged illness and ensures proper treatment with medications like metronidazole or tinidazole.
Short name
Giardia Antibody Screen
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to get results from this test?
Can I take antibiotics before this test?
Is this test covered by insurance?
Sources
- 1
- 2Lab Tests OnlineSource
- 3
Click any link to access the full source. PubMed Central (PMC) links provide free full-text access.
This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 16, 2026. · Read our editorial policy