Giardiasis, caused by the single-celled Giardia lamblia parasite, is the most common parasitic disease in the United States. As many as 100 million mild infections and 1 million severe infections are reported annually.

The disease spreads through the fecal-oral route, when Giardia cysts are released through infected feces and then ingested. Giardiasis can present with mild or acute symptoms and can also be asymptomatic (causing no symptoms at all). The CDC estimates that only 10% to 20% of people infected with E. histolytica become sick. Acute symptoms of giardiasis include diarrhea, nausea and abdominal pain, abdominal cramps, weight loss, and anemia. If untreated or chronic, giardia infection can lead to a decrease in nutrient absorption and damage to the intestinal lining.

Daycare centers make up one of the main sources of Giardia infection in the United States; studies show that daycares may be directly or indirectly responsible for up to 45% of diagnosed Giardia infections. Contaminated drinking water makes up another major source of infection.

Read more about how Giardia is transmitted, diagnosed, and treated on our Articles page.

The IVD Giardia Stool Antigen Detection Lateral Flow test kit provides accurate, reliable detection of giardia antigens in human stool samples. In the past, Giardia infection was diagnosed by direct detection, through the use of a microscope. To be effective, this method required experienced technicians, who have historically been difficult and costly to find and train. Antigen capture lateral flow immunoassays for stool samples were developed as an alternative, rapid way to detect and diagnose Giardia infection. Lateral flow assays have been shown to be as accurate as microscopic examinations by experienced laboratory technicians; in addition, they are easy to perform and require no specialized training or equipment.

The IVD Giardia Stool Antigen Detection Lateral Flow test is performed in two steps:

  • The sample is diluted using the provided buffer and then added to the sample window on the test device.
  • The diluted sample is added to the sample window of the test device and incubated for 10 minutes.
    • The diluted sample resolubilizes the anti-Giardia conjugate contained in the test device.
    • The diluted sample and resolubilized conjugate flow across the nitrocellulose membrane and interact with the test line area and the control line area. If Giardia antigens are present in the sample, they are captured by the anti-Giardia antibodies in the conjugate and at the test line area.
    • The diluted sample and resolubilized conjugate continue to flow across the membrane and form a line in the control line area.
    • A sample that is positive for Giardia will result in a visible line in the test and control line area; this indicates that detectable amounts of Giardia antigen are present in the sample. If no line forms in the test line area, this indicates either that the sample is negative for Giardia antigen or that the sample contains Giardia antigen below detectable levels.

Each test kit contains 20 tests and has up to a 12 month shelf life. Test kits should be stored between2-8 ˚C. Please contact us for pricing and availability.