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Why is a stool analysis for giardiasis done?
A stool analysis is done if the medical history and symptoms show that you may have giardiasis. A stool analysis also may be able to find other parasites as well as Giardia lamblia and may be helpful when the diagnosis is unclear.
What do the results of a stool analysis for giardiasis mean?
If a giardia infection is present, the parasite or its cysts can be seen when the stool is looked at under a microscope. Evaluating 3 stool samples detects up to 90% of Giardia lamblia infections.
If giardiasis is suspected, an antigen test may be done on the stool or a sample of the fluid from the small intestine (duodenal contents). Fluid from the small intestine may be collected by endoscopy. In rare cases, a string test may also be done to look for the parasite.
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