Giardia lamblia, a flagellate with cosmo-politan geographic distribution, is found in duodenal contents and bile. In the duodenum it can be demonstrated in the mucosal crypts where it attaches itself to the mucosal cells, causing gastroenteritis. When swept into the fecal stream, the trophozoite encysts. Consequently, most fecal specimens contain the encysted parasite rather than the flagellated trophozoite form, which is usually found only in severe diarrhoea. In the cyst (resistant) form, they spread the disease from host to host by fecal/oral routes, either directly (as between children in day-care centers or between sexual partners) or by food and water. Waterborne epidemics involve mountain streams, well water, and even some chlorinated community water systems.
US Custom changes Aug 29 2025
Every US shipment, regardless of value or content, must now undergo full entry with U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP).
Our lab partners are working hard to reduce the impact of these new customs procedures on returning US bound test samples.
Unfortunately this change may impact your test results turnaround time
Transit times may be longer due to increased customs processing.
Samples may be delayed or held while clearance is completed.
If you have already sent back your sample and it is directly affected by these customs delays, our team will contact you individually to advise on the next steps.
We know how vital timely testing is for you and we greatly value your understanding while these changes take effect.
We expect the situation to improve as customs processes adjust, and we will provide updates as this develops.
Please do not return samples to the laboratories that may arrive after Wednesday 27th March and up to and including Monday 2nd April.
The laboratories are closed from the 28th March – 2nd April for the Easter Holiday.
