Bartonella henselae (Cat Scratch) Antibodies, IgG & IgM by IFA
Also known as: CATSCRATCH
Use
This test may assist in diagnosing cat scratch disease in patients showing clinical signs and symptoms consistent with the condition and having a compatible exposure history. Detection of IgG and IgM antibodies can indicate current or past infection, though seroconversion between appropriately timed acute and convalescent specimens provides stronger evidence for recent infection. IgM antibodies suggest recent infection, and both IgG and IgM antibodies may persist for extended periods after infection.
Special Instructions
Parallel testing is preferred, and convalescent specimens must be received within 30 days from receipt of the acute specimens. Clearly mark specimens as 'acute' or 'convalescent.'
Limitations
The presence of IgG or IgM antibodies does not distinguish between past or current infection without further seroconversion evidence. Low levels of IgM antibodies may occasionally persist for over 12 months post-infection. High IgG titers could indicate recent or current infection but are inconclusive for diagnosis. Test performance characteristics were determined by ARUP Laboratories and it's intended for clinical use, not cleared or approved by the US Food and Drug Administration.
New York Approved
Methodology
Immunoassay (IFA)
Biomarkers
LOINC Codes
- 6954-2
- 6955-9
Result Turnaround Time
1-8 days
Related Documents
For more information, please review the documents below
Specimen
Serum
Volume
1 mL
Minimum Volume
0.4 mL
Container
Serum separator tube
Collection Instructions
Separate serum from cells ASAP or within 2 hours of collection. Transfer 1 mL serum to an ARUP standard transport tube.
Storage Instructions
Refrigerated
Causes for Rejection
Contaminated, hemolyzed, or severely lipemic specimens.
Stability Requirements
| Temperature | Period |
|---|---|
| Room Temperature | 48 hours |
| Refrigerated | 2 weeks |
| Frozen | 1 year |