Exam Overview
For a giardia antigen test, a stool sample or fluid from the upper
part of the intestines (duodenal fluid) is tested in the lab for the presence
of
antigens from Giardia lamblia.
This test is often done at the same time as a stool analysis.
Why It Is Done
An antigen test may be done if a person's medical history and
symptoms suggest
giardiasis. This test may be done to check if the
person has been cured after treatment. An antigen test also may be used to
screen people who are at high risk for having giardiasis.
Results
A test that detects Giardia antigens (positive result) indicates that the person
has giardiasis. If the infected person does not have symptoms of infection, he
or she may be a carrier or have an chronic infection.
These tests are specific for Giardia lamblia and do not test for
other intestinal infections that cause similar
symptoms. A person may get infected with other organisms that cause the same
symptoms if he or she travels to countries where these organisms are
found.
If the test does not detect antigens (negative result), it may need
to be repeated to rule out giardiasis.
What To Think About
These tests may be done on a stool sample before testing the fluid
from the small intestines (duodenal contents). Antigen tests are very likely to detect Giardia lamblia if it is present and may be used instead of a stool analysis when
giardiasis is likely. Stool samples may be tested to detect antigens (proteins
that come from Giardia lamblia) or to detect the actual
parasites.
Complete the medical test information form (PDF)(What is a PDF document?) to help you prepare for this test.
Credits
ByHealthwise Staff
Primary Medical ReviewerE. Gregory Thompson, MD - Internal Medicine
Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine
Specialist Medical ReviewerW. David Colby IV, MSc, MD, FRCPC - Infectious Disease
Current as ofMarch 3, 2017