Toxicity Screening Panel for Giardia duodenalis (IgG Antibody)

What This Test Measures

Giardia duodenalis is a parasite that can infect your digestive system, often causing symptoms like stomach cramps, diarrhea, and bloating. This test detects IgG antibodies—proteins your body produces in response to past exposure to Giardia. Unlike a stool test for live parasites, this test identifies whether your immune system has encountered Giardia in the past, even if symptoms have resolved.

Why It’s Ordered

Your healthcare provider may recommend this test if you’ve had symptoms of Giardia infection (e.g., persistent diarrhea, abdominal pain) or if you live in an area with known Giardia outbreaks. It’s also used to monitor treatment success or check for reinfection in people who’ve recovered.

Sample Collection and Process

A blood sample is drawn from a vein in your arm. The blood is sent to a lab where antibodies specific to Giardia are identified using an immunoassay method. Results are reported as positive or negative for IgG antibodies.

Interpreting Your Results

A positive result means your body has produced antibodies against Giardia, suggesting past exposure. A negative result indicates no detectable antibodies, meaning either you’ve never been exposed or your immune system cleared the infection. Results alone don’t confirm active infection; they only show prior exposure.