Testing for Giardia

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

 

As part of Giardia testing, 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 healthcare provider may ask you to submit multiple stool specimens over several days.