What's this test for?

This test is ideal if you're experiencing persistent diarrhea, stomach cramps, bloating, or nausea that won't go away. It helps identify if a giardia parasite infection is causing your digestive problems, which is especially common after traveling, camping, drinking untreated water, or being around someone who's sick. Many people use this test when they've had ongoing stomach issues for more than a few days and want to know if a parasite is to blame.

What happens after I get my results?

You'll receive doctor notes in simple language explaining whether giardia was detected and what that means for your digestive health. These notes include personalized recommendations such as treatment options, hygiene practices to prevent spread, and dietary suggestions during recovery. You'll also get the standard lab report and can track your health over time using our trends feature if you need follow-up testing.

What's included in this test?

This test uses an enzyme immunoassay (EIA) to detect giardia antigens in your stool sample. It specifically looks for proteins produced by the giardia parasite, which causes intestinal infections that lead to diarrhea and digestive discomfort. This method is highly accurate for identifying active giardia infections in your digestive system.

How should I prepare for this test?

This test needs to be collected at a Patient Service Center so your stool sample can be transferred quickly into the correct specimen container. No special dietary restrictions or fasting is required. Just visit the center when you're ready, and they'll provide you with collection instructions and proper containers for the sample.

Who should consider getting this test?

Anyone experiencing prolonged diarrhea, stomach cramps, or digestive upset should consider this test, especially if symptoms persist for more than a week. It's particularly important for people who've recently traveled internationally, consumed untreated water from lakes or streams, have young children in daycare, or have been in contact with someone diagnosed with giardia. People with weakened immune systems should also test if they have unexplained gastrointestinal symptoms.

What symptoms indicate I may need this test?

Common symptoms include watery or greasy diarrhea that lasts several days or weeks, stomach cramps, bloating, excessive gas, nausea, and weight loss. You might also experience fatigue and dehydration from ongoing diarrhea. If you've had these symptoms for more than a few days, especially after potential exposure to contaminated water or food, this test can help identify if giardia is the cause.

How can I prevent giardia infection?

Prevention focuses on good hygiene and safe water practices. Always wash your hands thoroughly with soap after using the bathroom, changing diapers, or before eating. Avoid drinking untreated water from lakes, rivers, or streams when camping or hiking. When traveling internationally, drink only bottled or boiled water and avoid raw foods washed in local water. Practicing these habits significantly reduces your risk of infection.

What is giardia and why does it matter?

Giardia is a microscopic parasite that lives in the intestines and causes an infection called giardiasis. It spreads through contaminated water, food, or surfaces, and is one of the most common causes of waterborne illness. While it's not usually dangerous, it can cause weeks of uncomfortable digestive symptoms and can spread easily to family members if not identified and treated properly.

What does a positive result mean?

A positive result means giardia parasites were detected in your stool sample, confirming an active infection. This explains your digestive symptoms and means you'll need treatment with prescription medication to clear the infection. Your doctor will typically prescribe antibiotics like metronidazole or tinidazole, and symptoms usually improve within a few days of starting treatment.

How is giardia treated?

Giardia is treated with prescription antibiotics, most commonly metronidazole or tinidazole, taken for 5-7 days. Most people start feeling better within a few days of starting treatment, though complete recovery may take a couple of weeks. It's important to stay hydrated, rest, and follow good hygiene practices to avoid spreading the infection to others. Your doctor may recommend retesting after treatment to ensure the parasite has been cleared.

Getting your blood test with us is easy, private & backed by the power of science.Long story short: In the test options, use the filters or search box to narrow your choices and find the test you want. If you need a hand navigating through options, text our super friendly support team at 754-799-7833, and we'll provide tailored suggestions to help you find the ideal test. Once your order is placed, we’ll create your doctor’s lab order remotely, without any need for you to make a trip to a doctor in person or to talk to the doctor. Expect to receive your doctor’s lab order right in your inbox. It will also be in your patient portal if you need to find it later. We’ll also include instructions regarding fasting and other requirements for your test. Your patient portal will be auto-created hassle-free during checkout. If this is your first time ordering, you'll be prompted to create a password for instant login access to your patient portal. It's a quick way to conveniently access your orders and results whenever you want. When you’re ready, visit one of our 4,000 locations. Just bring your ID – no printing or faxing of your lab order is needed, as your order and details will already be in the lab system. Note that most lab locations don’t accept walk-ins, so it’s best to book an appointment in advance. Don’t worry – we’ll provide detailed instructions along the way. You’ll get your results via email & SMS and dive into understanding your body better. Yup, that easy! If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com and we'll gladly help you.

How do I know which test to get?

In the test options, find the test you want. If you’re not sure which test to get, we can lend a hand in finding the right option. Just text or call us at 754-799-7833, email us at support@privatemdlabs.com, and we'll gladly help you. We've got your back and reply quickly.

When will my lab results be available?

Most test results will be available within 1–3 business days. Once they're ready, we'll send an email and text message to let you know. After your blood draw, just hang tight and don't worry – we'll keep you updated and in the loop! If you have any further questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com, and we'll gladly help you.

Is it possible to make changes to my lab order if I made a mistake with the name, date of birth, or any other details?

Absolutely! We totally understand that errors can happen. No worries, we're here to help you. Just reach out to us via text at 754-799-7833 or shoot us an email at support@privatemdlabs.com. Remember to include your order number and let us know the correct information you’d like to update. Our awesome team will jump right in and make sure everything is sorted out and accurate for you. There are no changes necessary if your address is wrong on the requisition though. We don’t mail anything out. Our lab requires an address to be listed to generate an order.

Do you accept health insurance?

Only HSA & FSA is accepted. Our services are strictly self-pay and cannot be submitted to your health insurance provider except for Health Savings Accounts or Flexible Savings Accounts. This policy applies to all insurance companies, including federal health insurance programs like Medicare. If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com.

Can I cancel my order?

Yes. We get it – sometimes your needs change. As long as your samples haven’t been collected yet, we’re happy to help you cancel your order. If you have any further questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com. You can read more about our cancellation policy here.

How can I find a lab location near me?

During the ordering process, you’ll be able to select a specific lab near you, with no strings attached! You can switch it up later easily and visit any of our authorized locations as long as it’s the same lab company you selected your test for (Quest Diagnostics or Labcorp). Before you proceed with your order, feel free to browse through all our lab locations here. This will give you the peace of mind of knowing that there's a lab nearby your home, office or your favorite gym. If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com and we'll gladly help you.

Giardia Parasite Test - Diarrhea & Digestive Issues

Getting your blood test with us is easy, private & backed by the power of science.

Long story short:

In the test options, use the filters or search box to narrow your choices and find the test you want.
If you need a hand navigating through options, text our super friendly support team at 754-799-7833, and we'll provide tailored suggestions to help you find the ideal test.
Once your order is placed, we’ll create your doctor’s lab order remotely, without any need for you to make a trip to a doctor in person or to talk to the doctor. Expect to receive your doctor’s lab order right in your inbox. It will also be in your patient portal if you need to find it later. We’ll also include instructions regarding fasting and other requirements for your test. Your patient portal will be auto-created hassle-free during checkout.
If this is your first time ordering, you'll be prompted to create a password for instant login access to your patient portal. It's a quick way to conveniently access your orders and results whenever you want.
When you’re ready, visit one of our 4,000 locations. Just bring your ID – no printing or faxing of your lab order is needed, as your order and details will already be in the lab system.
Note that most lab locations don’t accept walk-ins, so it’s best to book an appointment in advance. Don’t worry – we’ll provide detailed instructions along the way.
You’ll get your results via email & SMS and dive into understanding your body better. Yup, that easy!

754-799-7833

[email protected]

Stool Test for Persistent Diarrhea and Stomach Issues

Giardia Antigen, EIA, Stool

90 day happiness guarantee

Prescription & fees included

Easy to understand results

Fast & convenient

90 day happiness guarantee

Prescription & fees included

Easy to understand results

Fast & convenient

What's this test for?

How should I prepare for this test?

What's included in this test?

Here’s why 1,000,000+ customers chose us for affordable hassle-free private blood testing.

Stool Test for Persistent Diarrhea and Stomach Issues

90 day happiness guarantee

Prescription & fees included

Easy to understand results

Fast & convenient

1,000,000+ blood tests later, here's what our customers say