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What Are Stool Tests?

Testing a stool sample can help doctors find out what's going on when someone has a problem in the stomach, intestines, rectum, or other part of the gastrointestinal (GI) system.

Unlike most other lab tests, parents might need to collect the stool (feces or poop) sample for the test (also called a stool culture or fecal test). The doctor or lab will give instructions on how to do this.

Depending on the type of test, results can be back in 24–48 hours or take 3–4 days.

What Is a Giardia Test?

The Giardia lamblia parasite is a common cause of diarrhea. In someone with an infection, they live in the GI system and leave the body in poop.

A Giardia (jee-ARE-dee-uh) test checks a stool sample for the parasites.

Why Are Giardia Tests Done?

Doctors order Giardia tests to diagnose giardiasis (jee-are-DYE-uh-sis), the digestive tract illness caused by Giardia lamblia.

Symptoms of an infection include:

  • watery diarrhea
  • belly pain
  • lots of intestinal gas