Test Overview
Test Methodology

Enzyme Immunoassay

Test Usage

Screening for the detection of Giardia antigens present in stool.

Reference Range *

Negative (no detectable Giardia lamblia antigen)

Test Limitations

This test is approved for stool specimens only.

Test Details
Days Set Up
Daily; Monday - Friday
Analytic Time

6 hours

Soft Order Code
GAG
MiChart Code
Giardia Antigen
Synonyms
  • Parasite Antigen, Giardia
  • Parasite Exam, Giardia lamblia
  • GAG
  • GIARDIA ANTIGEN
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 http://mlabs.umich.edu/files/pdfs/GL-Stool_Collection_Guidelines.pdf for patient instructions.

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
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 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.
Additional Information

Note: The Gastrointestinal panel (GIPAN) by PCR for Giardia lamblia is more sensitive than the Giardia Antigen enzyme immunoassay (GAG). Also, the Giardia Antigen enzyme immunoassay (GAG) is more sensitive than Ova and Parasite Exam (OPE) for detection of Giardia infection.

Billing
CPT Code
87329
Fee Code
32357
LOINC
6412-1
NY State Approved
No