Ordering Recommendation
Mnemonic
Methodology
Semi-Quantitative Indirect Fluorescent Antibody
Performed
Tue, Fri
Reported
1-5 days
New York DOH Approval Status
Specimen Required
Serum Separator Tube.
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.
Refrigerated.
Contaminated, hemolyzed, or severely lipemic specimens.
After separation from cells: Ambient: 48 hours; Refrigerated: 2 weeks; Frozen: 1 year (avoid repeated freeze/thaw cycles)
Reference Interval
< 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 Data
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.
This test was developed and its performance characteristics determined by ARUP Laboratories. It has not been cleared or approved by the US Food and Drug Administration. This test was performed in a CLIA certified laboratory and is intended for clinical purposes.
Laboratory Developed Test (LDT)
Note
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.
Hotline History
CPT Codes
86666
Components
Component Test Code* | Component Chart Name | LOINC |
---|---|---|
0051003 | Ehrlichia chaffeensis Antibody, IgM | 48850-2 |
Aliases
- E. Chaffeensis
- HME (Human Monocytic Ehrlichiosis)
- Tick Borne Diseases