Babesia microti Antibodies, IgG and IgM
Also known as: Babesia Antibody, Babesia IgM, IgG, Tickborne
Use
This test is a screening assay for Babesia microti infection or exposure.
Special Instructions
Individuals positive for B. microti antibodies should have confirmatory testing performed by PCR or peripheral blood smear before treatment is considered. The diagnosis of acute babesiosis cannot be confirmed solely by the presence of Babesia antibody in a serum sample collected at a single time point. Babesiosis coinfection should be considered in Lyme disease patients with severe illness, in those whose symptoms are unlikely to be explained by B. burgdorferi infection alone, or in those who do not respond well to standard antibiotic therapy for Lyme disease.
Limitations
The diagnosis of acute babesiosis cannot be confirmed solely by the presence of Babesia antibody in a serum sample collected at a single time point. Antibody detection by serologic testing can provide supportive evidence for the diagnosis of babesiosis but does not reliably distinguish between active and prior infection.
Methodology
Immunoassay (Immunofluorescence)
Biomarkers
LOINC Codes
- 88728-1
- 16117-4
- 16118-2
Result Turnaround Time
2-4 days
Related Documents
For more information, please review the documents below
Specimen
Serum
Volume
1 mL
Minimum Volume
0.2 mL
Container
Red-top tube or gel-barrier tube or serum transfer tube
Collection Instructions
If tube other than a gel-barrier tube is used, transfer separated serum to a labeled plastic transport tube. Do not freeze gel-barrier tube; pour off serum first.
Storage Instructions
Room temperature
Causes for Rejection
Extensive hemolysis; lipemia; clotted specimen; quantity not sufficient for analysis; leaking or broken tube; frozen gel-barrier tube
Stability Requirements
| Temperature | Period |
|---|---|
| Room Temperature | 14 days |
| Refrigerated | 14 days |
| Frozen | 14 days |