Ordering Recommendation

First-line test for diagnosing acute babesiosis. Detects nucleic acid from B. microti and detects but does not differentiate between B. duncaniB. divergens, strain MO-1, and strain EU-1. Blood smears are also appropriate for diagnosing and monitoring babesiosis disease; refer to Parasites Smear (Giemsa Stain), Blood (0049025). If also investigating Anaplasmosis or Ehrlichiosis, consider Tick-Borne Disease Panel by PCR, Blood (2008670).

Methodology

Qualitative Polymerase Chain Reaction

Performed

Sun-Sat

Reported

1-3 days

New York DOH Approval Status

This test is New York DOH approved.

Specimen Required

Patient Preparation
Collect

Lavender (EDTA) or Pink (K2EDTA).

Specimen Preparation

Transport 1 mL whole blood. (Min: 0.6 mL)

Storage/Transport Temperature

Refrigerated.

Unacceptable Conditions

Serum, plasma, and heparinized specimens.

Remarks
Stability

Ambient: 24 hours; Refrigerated: 1 week; Frozen: 1 month

Reference Interval

Interpretive Data

A negative result does not rule out the presence of PCR inhibitors in the patient specimen or test-specific nucleic acid in concentrations below the level of detection by this test.

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.

Compliance Category

Laboratory Developed Test (LDT)

Note

This test detects and speciates B. microti. The nucleic acid from B. duncani, B. divergens, strain MO-1, and strain EU-1 will be detected by this test but cannot be differentiated.

Hotline History

N/A

CPT Codes

87469; 87798

Components

Component Test Code* Component Chart Name LOINC
2008666 Babesia species by PCR 88233-2
2008668 Babesia microti by PCR 21089-8
* 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.

Aliases

Babesia Species by PCR