Giardia infection (giardiasis)

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Tests and diagnosis

By Mayo Clinic staff

To help diagnose giardiasis, your doctor is likely to test a sample of your stool. For accuracy, you may be asked to submit several samples collected over a period of days. The samples are then examined in a laboratory for the presence of parasites. Stool tests may also be used to monitor the effectiveness of any treatment you receive.

References
  1. Fact sheet: Giardia infection (giardiasis). Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dpd/parasites/giardiasis/factsht_giardia.htm. Accessed March 17, 2010.
  2. Pickering LK. Giardia lamblia (giardiasis). In: Long SS, et al. Principles and Practice of Pediatric Infectious Diseases. 3rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Churchill Livingston Elsevier; 2008. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/189644263-3/969360504/1679/269.html#4-u1.0-B978-0-443-06687-0..50268-X_4686. Accessed March 17, 2010.
  3. Huston CD. Giardia lamblia. In: Feldman M, et al. Sleisenger & Fordran's Gastrointestinal and Liver Disease. 8th ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Saunders Elsevier; 2006. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/189644263-3/969360504/1389/793.html#4-u1.0-B1-4160-0245-6..50111-6--cesec14_5019. Accessed March 17, 2010.
  4. Leder K, et al. Patient information: Giardia. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed March 17, 2010.
  5. Rohren CH (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. April 1, 2010.
  6. Munoz FM. Treatment and prevention of giardiasis in children. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed March 17, 2010.
DS00739 May 29, 2010

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