Toxicity Screening for Giardia lamblia (Qualitative Immunoassay)
This test checks for antibodies that your immune system produces in response to *Giardia lamblia*, a microscopic parasite that can cause intestinal infections.
["This test helps identify if you’ve been exposed to Giardia, which may cause diarrhea or stomach symptoms."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 12261-4
- Short code
- T gondii IgG Titr Ser IA
- Synonyms
- T gondii IgG Titr Ser IA
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Red-top tube (SST)
- Units
- N/A
- Ref low
- 8
- Ref high
- 61
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Method
- ia
- CPT
- 82977
- SNOMED
- 3110003
- 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 healthcare provider may recommend this test if you’ve recently traveled to areas with higher risk for Giardia, have symptoms like persistent diarrhea, bloating, or stomach pain, or if you’ve been exposed to contaminated water. It’s also sometimes used after treating suspected infections to confirm clearance.
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 in your serum/plasma, which your body makes after exposure to Giardia.
What the Results Mean
A positive result means your body has detected Giardia antibodies, suggesting past or possible current infection. A negative result means no detectable antibodies were found, but this doesn’t always rule out infection if it was recent or very mild. Follow-up testing or stool samples may be needed for diagnosis.
Common Symptoms of Giardia Infection
Giardia often causes symptoms like watery diarrhea, stomach cramps, bloating, nausea, or gas. Some people may have no symptoms at all. Symptoms can range from mild to severe and may last weeks or months.
Reference range
Adult males: 8-61 U/L; Adult females: 5-36 U/LN/A
No special preparation required. Avoid fatty meals before the test if possible.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Clinical Significance
Short name
Giardia Antibody Screen
Frequently asked questions
This test is primarily used to diagnose or rule out Giardia infection, especially in travelers or individuals with persistent gastrointestinal symptoms. It’s not a direct test for the parasite itself but helps guide further testing (like stool exams) if needed. Chronic infections can lead to malnutrition or long-term digestive issues, so early detection matters.
If your test is positive, your doctor may recommend stool tests or other diagnostic methods to confirm the infection. Treatment often involves oral medications to kill the parasite. Follow your provider’s advice for follow-up care and any prescribed treatment.
No restrictions apply for this blood test, but avoid alcohol if you’re also taking medications or have other tests scheduled that require fasting.
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