Ehrlichia/Babesia Antibody Panel, Immunofluorescence, Serum
Use
The Ehrlichia/Babesia Antibody Panel is used to detect antibodies as an aid in the diagnosis of infections with Anaplasma phagocytophilum, Ehrlichia chaffeensis, and Babesia microti. These infections are typically transmitted through tick bites and can lead to conditions such as human granulocytic anaplasmosis, human monocytotropic ehrlichiosis, and babesiosis. This panel helps in understanding the prevalence and spread of these tick-borne diseases in specific populations through seroepidemiological surveys.
Special Instructions
For accurate results, the serum should be collected in a specific manner: centrifuge and aliquot into a plastic vial. The test is conducted using Immunofluorescence Assay (IFA) and is available for order in New York state. It is important to complete the Infectious Disease Serology Test Request form if not ordering electronically.
Limitations
The test may demonstrate nonreactive results during the acute phase, when PCR testing is recommended. False positives can occur due to previous episodes of the infections, as antibodies can remain detectable long after the infection has cleared. Additionally, performance characteristics have not been established for hemolyzed or lipemic specimens, which can lead to diagnostic confusion.
New York Approved
Methodology
Immunoassay (Immunofluorescence Assay (IFA))
Biomarkers
LOINC Codes
- 101409-1
- 23877-4
- 16117-4
- 47405-6
Result Turnaround Time
1-3 days
Related Documents
For more information, please review the documents below
Specimen
Serum
Volume
0.6 mL
Minimum Volume
0.5 mL
Container
Plastic vial
Collection Instructions
Centrifuge and aliquot serum into a plastic vial.
Causes for Rejection
Gross hemolysis, gross lipemia, gross icterus, heat-inactivated specimen
Stability Requirements
| Temperature | Period |
|---|---|
| Refrigerated | 14 days |
| Frozen | 14 days |