Giardiasis (GEE-are-DYE-uh-sis) is a diarrheal illness caused by a microscopic parasite, Giardia intestinalis (also known as Giardia lamblia or Giardia duodenalis). Once a person or animal has been infected with Giardia, the parasite lives in the intestine and is passed in feces. Because the parasite is protected by an outer shell, it can survive outside the body and in the environment for long periods of time (i.e., months).

During the past 2 decades, Giardia infection has become recognized as a common cause of waterborne disease in humans in the United States. Giardia can be found worldwide and within every region of the United States.

The Virusys Giardia IMS Beads have been developed for the immunomagnetic separation (IMS) of Giardia spp. oocysts from a wide range of sample matrices.

The high sensitivity and specificity of the Giardia IMS Beads results from the covalent attachment of a high affinity monoclonal antibody developed against an epitope on the wall of Giardia oocysts. When combined with the Virusys IMS Assay Buffer (IMS206:BFR) and IMS Wash Buffer (IMS206:Wash), Giardia oocysts can be efficiently isolated and enumerated by a variety of techniques including, but not limited to immunofluorescent antibody (IFA) staining and PCR.