Tick-Borne Panel, Molecular Detection, PCR, Blood
Use
This test is useful for evaluating patients with suspected infections such as human monocytic ehrlichiosis, human granulocytic anaplasmosis, babesiosis, or Borrelia miyamotoi. It is also useful for evaluating patients with a history of, or suspected tick exposure who present with nonspecific symptoms like fever, myalgia, headache, nausea. The detection of pathogen DNA through PCR allows for early diagnosis, which is critical for effective treatment.
Special Instructions
This test should not be used to screen healthy patients. It's important to send whole blood specimens in the original tube (preferred), and not to use it for diseases like Lyme disease, which requires serology for detection.
Limitations
This panel does not detect Borrelia burgdorferi or Borrelia mayonii, which are causative agents of Lyme disease. While Lyme disease can be detected using a different PCR test, the causative agents have limited geographic distribution and are not included in this panel. Negative results do not rule out the presence of organisms.
New York Approved
Methodology
PCR-based (Real-Time PCR)
Biomarkers
LOINC Codes
- 101647-6
- 88452-8
- 88451-0
- 88450-2
- 82475-5
- 87558-3
- 87559-1
- 87560-9
- 87561-7
Result Turnaround Time
1-4 days
Related Documents
For more information, please review the documents below
Specimen
Whole Blood
Volume
1 mL
Minimum Volume
0.3 mL
Container
Lavender top (EDTA), Royal blue top (EDTA), pink top (EDTA), or sterile vial containing EDTA-derived aliquot
Collection Instructions
Send whole blood specimen in the original tube (preferred).
Causes for Rejection
Gross lipemia
Stability Requirements
| Temperature | Period |
|---|---|
| Refrigerated | 7 days |
| Frozen | 7 days |