Test Overview
Test Usage

Screening for the detection of Cryptosporidium and Giardia antigens present in stool

Reference Range *

Negative (no detectable Cryptosporidium or Giardia antigen)

* Reference ranges may change over time. Please refer to the original patient report when evaluating results.

Test Limitations

This test is approved for stool specimens only.

Test Details
Days Set Up
Daily
Analytic Time

30 minutes

Soft Order Code
CRGAG
MiChart Code
Cryptosporidium and Giardia Antigen
Synonyms
  • Parasite Antigen, Giardia lamblia
  • Parasite Antigen, Cryptosporidium
Laboratory
Microbiology
Section
Microbiology
Specimen Requirements
Collection Instructions

Collect fresh random stool specimen. Add stool specimen to transport vial until liquid reaches fill line. Emulsify specimen thoroughly in transport fluid. If necessary, place a urine bag on the patient to prevent urine contamination.
Acceptable specimens are stool sent in Stool Culture transport (orange cap) (Cary Blair) stored refrigerated up to 48 hours. If an unacceptable specimen is received, the client will be notified before disposal of the original specimen.
See MLabs Stool Specimen Collection Instructions available online at https://mlabs.umich.edu/media/175 for patient instructions.
Gastrointestinal panel (GIPAN) should be considered at additional cost, when multiple stool tests are desired . GIPAN is performed by real time PCR and identifies 21 stool pathogens.

Contraindications
Administration of barium may give a false negative result. Wait until patient has cleared substance (about 7-10 days) before collecting stools for examination.
Normal Volume
5 mL stool
Storage Temperature
Specimens should be processed and tested as soon as possible. Specimens sent for Cryptosporidium and Giardia Antigen in Cary Blair transports may be stored at room temperature (18-30 C) or refrigerated (2-8 C) for up to four days, or frozen for up to one week.
Rejection Criteria
Specimen too old and/or not stored at the proper temperature.
Specimen received in PVA or other alcohol containing transport.
Patient In-house > 3 days
More than 1 specimen/day
Rectal swabs and diapers
Additional Information

Note: The Gastrointestinal panel (GIPAN) by PCR for Cryptosporidium and Giardia lamblia is more sensitive than the Cryptosporidium and Giardia Antigen enzyme immunoassay (CRGAG). Also, the Cryptosporidium and Giardia Antigen enzyme immunoassay (CRGAG) is more sensitive than Ova and Parasite Exam (OPE) for detection of Cryptosporidium and Giardia infection. If both CRGAG and GIPAN are ordered on the same sample, the CRGAG will be cancelled.

Billing
CPT Code
87328, 87329
Fee Code
LA016, LA017