Specimen Requirements
Title
Giardia Lamblia AG, Stool
Specimen Requirement
Send 2 g (thumbnail size portion of stool) or 2 mL liquid stool in a sterile container. If past 24 hours, stool must be sent in the formalin vial from an O&P transport kit.
Methodology
Enzyme immunoassay (EIA)
Stability
Unpreserved/Refrigerated: 24 hours -- Preserved/Room temp or Refrigerated: 18 months
Reference Range
By report*
Turnaround
2-3 days
Clinical Use
Giardia Antigen testing is performed to monitor the effectiveness of therapy and to diagnose infections. The antigen test is very specific for Giardia and will not detect other parasites. A routine Ova and Parasite examination is required if other parasites are suspected. The antigen test is considered to be more sensitive for Giardia than traditional Ova and Parasite testing.
Test Code
GLAGW