Understanding Your Giardia Test
This stool test checks for Giardia, a common intestinal parasite that can cause prolonged diarrhea, bloating, and stomach cramps.
What It Checks For
Giardia is a parasite you can pick up from contaminated water, food, or close contact. It is a frequent cause of diarrhea that lasts more than a few days, sometimes after travel or camping.
The test detects Giardia proteins (antigens) in a stool sample, which is a sensitive way to find the infection.
What Your Results Can Mean
| Result | What It Means |
|---|---|
| NegativeNot Detected | Giardia was not found. Your symptoms are likely from another cause, which we can investigate further if they persist. |
| PositiveGiardia Detected | Confirms a Giardia infection, which is treatable with a course of medication. |
What’s Most Important to Know
Giardia is very treatable once identified. Testing avoids guesswork and makes sure you get the right treatment.
If your symptoms continue after treatment or the test is negative, Dr. Mui may look for other causes of ongoing digestive symptoms.
This page is for general education and does not replace a conversation with your doctor about your specific results. Want to review your results? Book a visit and we’ll go through them together.