Giardia

Tests on serial stool samples (one stool sample every day for three days) are often required to find the organism. Special diagnostic procedures, beyond a routine fecal examination, are necessary to identify Giardia.

The procedures we use to identify roundworms and hookworms kill the active form of Giardia and concentrate the cyst form.

In spring, 2004, a diagnostic test using ELISA technology became available. This test uses a very small fecal sample, and can be performed in 8 minutes in a veterinarian's office. It is much more accurate than a fecal examination.

http://www.peteducation.com/article.cfm?c=2+2102&aid=739