Ordering RecommendationRecommendations when to order or not order the test. May include related or preferred tests.
Most useful to detect antibodies during acute phase of disease; recommend concurrent testing with IgG E. chaffeensis. PCR testing is preferred; refer to Tick-Borne Disease Panel by PCR, Blood (2008670) or Ehrlichia and Anaplasma Species by PCR (2007862).
MnemonicUnique test identifier.
E CH M
MethodologyProcess(es) used to perform the test.
Semi-Quantitative Indirect Fluorescent Antibody
PerformedDays of the week the test is performed.
Tue, Fri
ReportedExpected turnaround time for a result, beginning when ARUP has received the specimen.
1-5 days
New York DOH Approval StatusIndicates test has been approved by the New York State Department of Health.
This test is New York DOH approved.
Specimen Required
Patient Preparation
Collect
Serum Separator Tube.
Specimen Preparation
Separate from cells ASAP or within 2 hours of collection. Transfer 1 mL serum to an ARUP Standard Transport Tube. (Min: 0.3 mL) Parallel testing is preferred and convalescent specimens must be received within 30 days from receipt of the acute specimens. Mark specimens plainly as acute or convalescent.
Storage/Transport Temperature
Refrigerated.
Unacceptable Conditions
Contaminated, hemolyzed, or severely lipemic specimens.
Remarks
Stability
After separation from cells: Ambient: 48 hours; Refrigerated: 2 weeks; Frozen: 1 year (avoid repeated freeze/thaw cycles)
Reference IntervalNormal range/expected value(s) for a specific disease state. May also include abnormal ranges.
< 1:16 Negative-No significant level of Ehrlichia chaffeensis IgM antibody detected. ≥ 1:16 Positive-Presence of IgM antibody to Ehrlichia chaffeensis detected, suggestive of current or recent infection.
Interpretive DataBackground information for test. May include disease information, patient result explanation, recommendations, details of testing, associated diseases, explanation of possible patient results.
While the presence of IgM antibodies suggests current or recent infection, low levels of IgM antibodies may occasionally persist for more than 12 months post-infection. A single IgM result should be interpreted with caution.
Compliance Category
Laboratory Developed Test (LDT)
NoteAdditional information related to the test.
Human ehrlichiosis is a tick-borne disease caused by rickettsial-like agents. Two forms, human monocytic ehrlichiosis (HME) and human granulocytic ehrlichiosis (HGE), have been described. HME is often referred to as "spotless" or rashless Rocky Mountain spotted fever, and has been reported in various regions of the United States. The causative agent of HME has been identified as Ehrlichia chaffeensis. Infected individuals produce specific antibodies to Ehrlichia chaffeensis which can be detected by an immunofluorescent antibody (IFA) test.
CPT CodesThe American Medical Association Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) codes published in ARUP's Laboratory Test Directory are provided for informational purposes only. The codes reflect our interpretation of CPT coding requirements based upon AMA guidelines published annually. CPT codes are provided only as guidance to assist clients with billing. ARUP strongly recommends that clients confirm CPT codes with their Medicare administrative contractor, as requirements may differ. CPT coding is the sole responsibility of the billing party. ARUP Laboratories assumes no responsibility for billing errors due to reliance on the CPT codes published.
* Component test codes cannot be used to order tests. The information provided here is not sufficient for interface builds; for a complete test mix, please click the sidebar link to access the Interface Map.
AliasesOther names that describe the test. Synonyms.
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