Babesia microti IgG Antibodies, Serum
Use
The Babesia microti IgG Antibodies test is useful as an adjunct in the diagnosis and follow-up of babesiosis. Babesiosis is a zoonotic infection caused by the protozoan parasite Babesia microti, transmitted by Ixodes ticks. This test assists in detecting chronic or persistent infection, particularly when low parasitemia levels make it difficult to observe Babesia organisms directly in red blood cells. It is also valuable for seroepidemiologic surveys to determine the prevalence of the infection in specific populations.
Special Instructions
Complete Infectious Disease Serology Test Request (T916) form if not ordering electronically. Follow instructions in the Acute Tickborne Disease Testing Algorithm when considering additional tests. Proper specimen handling, including centrifugation and aliquoting, is necessary to ensure accurate results.
Limitations
Performance characteristics have not been established for lipemic or hemolyzed specimens. Previous episodes of babesiosis may result in a positive serologic result even after the infection has resolved. False positives may occur, and documentation of actual infection might require molecular detection or animal inoculation methods. The test has not been cleared or approved by the US Food and Drug Administration and was developed as an analyte-specific reagent.
New York Approved
Methodology
Immunoassay (Immunofluorescence Assay (IFA))
Biomarkers
LOINC Codes
- 16117-4
- 16117-4
Result Turnaround Time
1-3 days
Related Documents
For more information, please review the documents below
Specimen
Serum
Volume
0.5 mL
Minimum Volume
0.4 mL
Container
Plastic vial
Collection Instructions
Centrifuge and aliquot serum into a plastic vial. Preferred collection container is serum gel, but red top tubes are acceptable.
Causes for Rejection
Gross hemolysis, gross lipemia, heat-inactivated specimen
Stability Requirements
| Temperature | Period |
|---|---|
| Refrigerated | 14 days |
| Frozen | 14 days |