Babesia microti Antibodies (IgG, IgM), with Reflex to Titers
Order Code
BMICRF
Test Summary
This test is for the detection of IgG and IgM antibodies against Babesia microti to aid in the diagnosis of Babesiosis. Babesiosis is a tickborne disease caused by transmission of the protozoa via the bite of an infected tick. B. microti is most common in the northern and upper Midwestern United States.
Testing for B. microti is based on a clinical evaluation and risk of tick exposure with consideration to the geographic region. Symptoms may be nonspecific, including headache, fever/chills, malaise, myalgia, and gastrointestinal symptoms. Infection can have similarities with other tickborne illnesses with overlapping vectors, geographic endemicity, and similar clinical signs and symptoms, including Anaplasma spp, Ehrlichia spp, and Borrelia burgdorferi (Lyme disease).
Negative results can occur early in infection. Nucleic acid amplification tests are the preferred method for diagnosis during acute infection. Seroconversion or a four-fold increase between acute and convalescent sera can be used to support a diagnosis. The presence of IgG alone may indicate past infection, and IgM may persist for many months after infection has resolved. Antibody levels may remain elevated for several years after acute illness. Other less common Babesia species in different geographic regions have been identified to infect humans, such as B. duncani and B. divergens. The extent of cross-reactivity between Babesia species is variable and may not be detected by this assay. Therefore, interpretation of serologic results is done in the context of pertinent clinical picture, including timing from symptom onset.
Aliases
N/A
Specimen Collection
Special Instructions
N/A
Preferred Specimen
1 mL serum
Minimum Volume
0.2 mL
Instructions
N/A
Patient Preparation
N/A
Storage
Transport tube
Transport Temperature
Refrigerated
Specimen Stability
- Room temperature: 72 hours
- Refrigerated: 7 days
- Frozen: 30 days
Limitations
N/A
Other Acceptable Specimens
N/A
Unacceptable Specimens
N/A
Order Code
BMICRF
EPIC (Premier) Code
LAB6982
Includes
Babesia microti Ab (IgG) and Babesia microti Ab (IgM).
If B. microti (IgG) is Detected, then B. microti (IgG) Titer will be performed at an additional charge (CPT code(s): 86753).
If B. microti (IgM) is Detected, then B. microti (IgM) Titer will be performed at an additional charge (CPT code(s): 86753).
CPT Code
86753 (x2)
Billing Code
670924
CPT Statement
Methodology
Immunofluorescence Assay (IFA)
FDA Status
This test was developed and its analytical performance characteristics have been determined by Quest Diagnostics. It has not been cleared or approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. The FDA has determined that such clearance or approval is not necessary. This assay has been validated pursuant to the CLIA regulations and is used for clinical purposes.
Physician Attestation of Informed Consent
N/A
Testing Laboratory
14225 Newbrook Drive
Chantilly VA, 20153
Department
Reference Range
Babesia microti Ab (IgG), Screen Not Detected
Babesia microti Ab (IgM), Screen Not Detected
Babesia microti Ab (IgG), Titer <1:64 titer
Babesia microti Ab (IgM), Titer <1:20 titer
Setup Schedule / Expected Turnaround Time
Monday, Wednesday - Saturday; Report available: 1 - 3 days
Specimen Collection
Special Instructions
N/A
Preferred Specimen
1 mL serum
Minimum Volume
0.2 mL
Instructions
N/A
Patient Preparation
N/A
Storage
Transport tube
Transport Temperature
Refrigerated
Specimen Stability
- Room temperature: 72 hours
- Refrigerated: 7 days
- Frozen: 30 days
Limitations
N/A
Other Acceptable Specimens
N/A
Unacceptable Specimens
N/A
Result Information
Methodology
Immunofluorescence Assay (IFA)
Testing Laboratory
Reference Range
Babesia microti Ab (IgG), Screen Not Detected
Babesia microti Ab (IgM), Screen Not Detected
Babesia microti Ab (IgG), Titer <1:64 titer
Babesia microti Ab (IgM), Titer <1:20 titer
Setup Schedule / Expected Turnaround Time
Monday, Wednesday - Saturday; Report available: 1 - 3 days