Ehrlichia/Anaplasma, Molecular Detection, PCR, Blood

Casandra

Casandra Test Code MC61875Version 1 (DRAFT)

Performing Lab

Lab Mayo Clinic LabLab Test ID EPCRBCPT Codes 87468, 87484, 87798, 87999

Ehrlichia/Anaplasma, Molecular Detection, PCR, Blood

Clinical Use

Use

This test is useful for evaluating patients suspected of acute anaplasmosis or ehrlichiosis. Anaplasmosis and ehrlichiosis are emerging zoonotic tick-borne infections caused by Anaplasma and Ehrlichia species, respectively. These infections can cause a potentially serious febrile illness in humans. The Mayo Clinic PCR assay is capable of detecting and differentiating Anaplasma phagocytophilum, Ehrlichia chaffeensis, Ehrlichia ewingii, and Ehrlichia muris eauclairensis, providing a definitive diagnosis of these infections, particularly in the early stages of illness where PCR is most sensitive and specific.

Special Instructions

This test is not suitable for screening asymptomatic individuals. If not ordering electronically, a General Test Request (T239) form should be completed and sent with the specimen. Concurrent infections with other tick-borne pathogens, such as Borrelia burgdorferi and Babesia microti, are not uncommon; additional testing may be required.

Limitations

The test should only be used for testing patients with signs and symptoms of ehrlichiosis or anaplasmosis. A negative result does not exclude the presence of the disease. The test does not detect DNA of Rickettsia sennetsu, which can cause a rare mononucleosis-like illness. Inadequate specimen collection or improper conditions for storage or transport may invalidate test results.

Test Details

New York Approved