Giardia lamblia Antigen details
What Giardia lamblia Antigen shows
Giardia lamblia (also called Giardia duodenalis or intestinalis) is a microscopic parasite that infects the small intestine. It is usually picked up from contaminated water, such as untreated streams or wells, or from contaminated food or close contact with an infected person. This test looks for Giardia proteins (antigen) in a stool sample. It is used when you have symptoms such as watery or greasy diarrhea, bloating, cramps or weight loss. A positive result indicates Giardia is present in the gut. Because the parasite can be shed intermittently, a negative result does not always exclude infection, and repeat or additional stool tests may be considered.
Tests that include Giardia lamblia Antigen
Giardiasis is recognized as an important human intestinal disease in most areas of the world. The causative organism, Giardia duodenalis (lamblia), is the most frequently identified protozoan parasite in stool specimens submitted to public health laboratories. This parasite has been implicated in a number of epidemics, and the endemicity in the U.S. is well recognized. Acute symptoms of Giardiasis may include diarrhea, malabsorption, abdominal cramps, anorexia, nausea, weight loss, flatulence, anemia, and general weakness lasting from several weeks to several months. Chronic infections can also occur with or without an acute phase, are often associated with treatment failure, and may result in recurrent symptoms. Infection with Giardia may also be asymptomatic.
- Giardia lamblia Antigen A stool test that detects Giardia antigen, used to look for giardiasis, an intestinal parasite infection that causes diarrhea.
This test detects giardia antigen in stool. Giardia’s identification is important for infection control and for treatment of giardiasis.
- Giardia lamblia Antigen A stool test that detects Giardia antigen, used to look for giardiasis, an intestinal parasite infection that causes diarrhea.
- Ova and Parasites, Concentration A concentration step in stool parasite testing that gathers parasite eggs, larvae and cysts so they are easier to find under the microscope.
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