Cryptosporidium/Giardia Antigen

Synonyms

• CRYPTOSPORIDIA
• CRYPTOSPORIDIAN
• CRYPTOSPORIDIOSIS
• CRYPTOSPORIDIUM/GIARDIA ANTIGEN
• GIARDIASIS
• LAB12477
• P CGAG

Cerner Name

Cryptosporidium/Giardia Antigen

Clinical Info

Cryptosporidium and Giardia are two of the most frequent causes of parasitic intestinal diseases. 
Both organisms are found throughout the world. Transmission is usually through the ingestion of 
contaminated food or water.
Giardiasis in humans is caused by the protozoan parasite Giardia duodenalis (also known as 
Giardia intestinalis and Giardia lamblia). The acute disease is characterized by watery diarrhea, 
nausea, abdominal cramps, bloating, weight loss and malabsorption lasting for several weeks. 
 Chronic or asymptomatic infection can also occur.
Cryptosporidiosis in humans is caused by the coccidian parasite Cryptosporidium parvum. Acute 
symptoms include watery diarrhea, abdominal cramps, loss of appetite, low grade fever, nausea 
and vomiting lasting for several days to over a month. Severe, persistent infections can occur in 
immunocompromised patients. Infection may also be asymptomatic. The parasite has been implicated 
in several major waterborne outbreaks in the United States.
Diagnosis of Cryptosporidium and Giardia infections has traditionally been done by microscopic 
examination of stools. More recently, the detection of Giardia and Cryptosporidium antigens in 
stool specimens using enzyme immunoassays has become an accepted approach to diagnosis.

Specimen Sources

Stool

Specimen Types

Stool

Specimen Volume

Add
enough stool/ feces specimen to move liquid to fill line on the vial.

Container

 Formalin (from
ParaPak set)
Cary-Blair (Formalin), Total-Fix
SAF- Sodium Acetate Formalin
MIF- Merthiolate Iodine Formaldehyde

Collection Instructions

Add
enough stool / feces specimen to move liquid to fill line on the vial.

Transport Instructions

Formalin,
SAF, MIF and Total-Fix: Room temperature or refrigerated.
Cary
Blair: Refrigerated.

Specimen Stability

Formalin, Total-Fix, SAF, MIF – 2 months after collection.
Cary- Blair – Refrigerated- 2 weeks after collection.. 

Methodology

Non- Enzymatic Rapid Immunoassay

Days Performed

Monday - Friday

Performing Laboratory

Northwell Health Laboratories-Little Neck Parkway

CPT

Giardia Antigen- 87329
Crypto Antigen - 87328

PDM

237377

Only Orderable at Locations:

Orderable Everywhere

Results

Result Interpretation

Forms