Table 3. Comparison of advantages and disadvantages of ELISA and microscopy methods for the diagnosis of giardiasis.

ELISA Prospect Giardia	Microscopic methods
Highly sensitive and specific for Giardia lamblia in single fecal samples	Need for several samples to be examined. Patients must go to the laboratory three times.
Samples can be stored for up to 30 days.	Need to be performed on fresh feces.
Does not identify associated parasites in the sample.	Can identify other parasites in the sample.
High cost	Low cost

ELISA = enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.