Diarrhea
Medications
Related eMedTV
Health Channels

Testing for Giardia

Testing for Giardia: An Overview

In order to make a Giardia diagnosis, the doctor will begin by asking a number of questions, including information about symptoms, current medicines, and medical conditions, along with a recent travel history. The doctor will likely also perform a physical exam and recommend certain tests, including a stool sample.
 

Testing for Giardia Using a Stool Sample

As part of testing for Giardia infection, the healthcare provider will likely ask you to submit stool samples to check for the parasite (Giardia lamblia). These tests are not always performed, however, and the laboratory must be instructed to specifically look for the organism. Because an infection can be difficult to diagnose, your provider may ask you to submit multiple stool specimens over several days.
 
Written by/reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD