Diagnostic Testing

Where can I find -- anywhere in the U.S is okay, be it clinic, hospital, physician, etc. -- the best, most definitive, state-of-the-art stool testing aimed at finding/ruling out problems like Giardia?

Thanks.

[Kevin Pho, MD]

There are several methods to test for Giardia.  The first would be stool specimens - which can detect Giardia in 90 percent of cases after using 3 specimens looking for ova and parasites.  

Another option would be to use Giardia immunoassays, which is approximately 30 percent more accurate than routine ova and parasites.

More invasive options like biopsy or blood tests can be considered - with the latter option being more experimental.

Another experimental option would be polymerase chain reaction testing (PCR).  In theory, this would be the most accurate option.

All of these considerations can be discussed with your personal physician.  Most major academic medical centers (i.e. hospitals and clinics affiliated with a university) should be able to offer most of these tests.

Followup with your personal physician is essential.

This answer is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice - the information presented is for patient education only. Please see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.

Kevin, M.D.
Medical Weblog:
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