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Giardia lamblia

Clinical Specimen Submission Guidance

Submit all specimens to 150 Richmond Street, Suite 100, Providence, RI 02903. Open Monday to Friday 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM.   Learn how and where to drop off your lab samples at our Laboratory Central Services webpage.

Lab

Molecular Diagnostics Laboratory 401-222-5538

Analyte Name

Giardia lamblia

Disease

Giardiasis (Giardia)

Test Description

Multiplex PCR Panel

Specimen

Stool: minimum volume 1 mL

Cary-Blair Transport media: Store refrigerated at 2-8°C. Test within 4 days.

 

Specimen Identification

CLIA regulations require specimens be labeled with at least two patient identifiers. Examples of identifiers are first and last name, date of birth, chart/medical record number. The specimen container must be labeled to match the test requisition or the electronic order.

Form Required

Rhode Island State Health Laboratories (RISHL) test requisition form https://health.ri.gov/forms/LabRequisitionForm.pdf

Test Request

Primary Specimens

Write "Giardia lamblia GI Panel" under Comments/Other Test Requests

Transport

Transport to RISHL as soon as possible.

Refrigerated: Transport and deliver to the laboratory within 48 hours of collection at 2-8°C in a cooler able to maintain specimen temperature. A plug-in electric cooler is recommended, however, a cooler packed with excess frozen gel packs is acceptable as long as the transport temperature is maintained at 2-8°C. 

Specimens must be packaged & transported in accordance with federal shipping regulations.

 

Specimen Rejection Criteria

The following rejection criteria will be used to ensure accurate specimen information and specimen condition for testing:

  • Specimen received outside acceptable transport range
  • Demographics different / Unable to read identifiers on specimen
  • Two identifiers required on specimen
  • Expired / Incorrect collection kit
  • Insufficient quantity
  • Urine cup received
  • No specimen received
  • Specimen leaked in transit
  • Test not evaluated in adolescents <14
  • Specimen too old
Normal Value

Giardia lamblia Not Detected

Reporting Requirement

Providers must report patient information on Giardiasis within 4 days using the RIDOH reportable disease form.

Turnaround Time

3 business days

Kit

Kits are available from the RISHL Center for Laboratory Support Services and may be obtained Monday-Friday between 8:30 am and 4:30 pm. Kit order forms can be emailed to ridoh.centralservices@health.ri.gov