Giardia Antigen Test - More Information

The Giardia test, sometimes known as a Giardia lab test, Giardia stool test, and Giardia ag test, checks for the presence of Giardia antigen in the stool.

Giardia is a type of parasite known as a parasitic protozoan that causes gastrointestinal infections after one ingests contaminated water or food. Giardia infections are classically known as causing symptoms after one has gone camping or backpacking. Once Giardia settles into the intestines, symptoms typically start within two days. A Giardia infection can cause lots of problems in the gastrointestinal system, including smelly and violent diarrhea, cramping with nausea, constipation, bloating and gas. Untreated, symptoms can last for up to six weeks and can cause excessive water loss. Longer term, a Giardia infection can lead to giardiasis, a disease that results in malabsorption from damage to the intestinal tract.

This Giardia antigen test analyzes the stool for the presence of Giardia antigens. This Giardia stool test requires at least 5 grams or mL of stool which can be provided at the lab location. To get a Giardia test near you at Quest Diagnostics, simply order online and submit your stool at the selected lab on the day of testing. As can be seen on the sample Giardia lab report, a not detected result will be reported if no Giardia is detected. Fecal analysis for Giardia continues to be an effective way to check for a Giardia infection.

The Giardia test is a component of the infection panel test which screens for a wider range of infections.