Giardia Antigen, EIA, Stool
Test Code: 8625
CPT Code: 87329
Clinical Significance: Giardiasis is recognized as an important human intestinal disease in most areas of the world. The causative organism, Giardia duodenalis (lamblia) is the most frequently identified protozoan parasite in stool specimens submitted to public health laboratories. This parasite has been implicated in a number of epidemics and the endemicity in the U.S., is well recognized. Acute symptoms of Giardiasis may include diarrhea, malabsorption, abdominal cramps, anorexia, nausea, weight loss, flatulence, anemia, and general weakness lasting from several weeks to several months. Chronic infections can also occur with or without an acute phase, are often associated with treatment failure and may result in recurrent symptoms. Infection with Giardia may also be asymptomatic.
Methodology: Immunoassay (IA)
Supply: #F01 Total-Fix® Transport Vial
Alternative Supply: #F02 Para-Pak® C&S with Cary-Blair Transport Medium or #U02 - 90mL Sterile Cup with Green lid
Preferred Specimen: 10 grams or 10 mL stool preserved in Total-Fix® or 10% formalin transport vial
Alternative Specimen: Cary-Blair medium • Fresh unpreserved stool
Minimum volume: 5 grams or 5 mL
Collection: Transfer stool within 30 minutes of collection into formalin or Total-Fix vial. Fill to line on transport vial. Mix contents thoroughly until homogenous.
Transport container: Total-Fix or 10% formalin transport vial
- Total-Fix or 10% formalin: Room temperature
- Cary-Blair: Refrigerated (Cold Packs)
- Unpreserved: Frozen
Total-Fix
Room temperature: 14 days
Refrigerated: 7 days
Frozen: Unacceptable
10% formalin
Room temperature: 18 months
Refrigerated: 7 days
Frozen: Unacceptable
Cary-Blair
Room temperature: Unacceptable
Refrigerated: 7 days
Frozen: 7 days
Unpreserved
Room temperature: Unacceptable
Refrigerated: 48 hours
Frozen: 14 days
- Concentrated fecal specimens
- Stool in transport media other than those listed above
- Swab
For additional supply or collection information, please contact DLO's Customer Service at (800) 891-2917, option 2.
The CPT codes provided are based on AMA guidance and are for informational purposes only. CPT coding is the sole responsibility of the billing party. Please direct any questions regarding coding to the payer being billed.