Babesia microti Antibody, IgG by IFA
Also known as: BAB IGG
Use
The Babesia microti Antibody, IgG test by IFA is used to detect IgG antibodies specific to Babesia microti, an intracellular parasite that causes the disease babesiosis. This test can help diagnose individuals infected with Babesia, particularly those presenting with flu-like symptoms, including fever, chills, myalgia, fatigue, and hemolytic anemia. Detecting IgG antibodies may indicate a current or past infection with Babesia microti. It is especially relevant for patients with a history of tick exposure in endemic regions, and it may be used in conjunction with other serological tests, such as for IgM antibodies, to provide a broader diagnostic picture.
Special Instructions
Parallel testing is preferred, and convalescent specimens must be received within 30 days from receipt of the acute specimens. It's important to mark specimens plainly as 'acute' or 'convalescent.' This test is New York state approved, which allows it to be used in clinical settings within New York state. The test requires a serum specimen collected in an SST tube.
Limitations
This test may produce false-positive results due to cross-reactivity with antibodies from other organisms. False-negative results may occur if testing is conducted too early in the course of infection; thus, retesting after 10-14 days is recommended for equivocal results. The sensitivity of the test can vary, and it is not FDA approved but performed in a CLIA certified laboratory for clinical purposes. Test performance might be affected by factors such as the timing of specimen collection relative to infection onset, as well as the patient's immunocompetence.
New York Approved
Methodology
Immunoassay (IFA)
Biomarkers
LOINC Codes
- 16117-4
Result Turnaround Time
1-5 days
Related Documents
For more information, please review the documents below
Specimen
Serum
Volume
0.5 mL
Minimum Volume
0.4 mL
Container
ARUP standard transport tube
Collection Instructions
Separate from cells ASAP or within 2 hours of collection. Mark specimens as 'acute' or 'convalescent.'
Causes for Rejection
Bacterially contaminated, hemolyzed, or lipemic specimens.
Stability Requirements
| Temperature | Period |
|---|---|
| Room Temperature | 48 hours |
| Refrigerated | 2 weeks |
| Frozen | 1 year (avoid repeated freeze/thaw cycles) |
Other tests from different labs that may be relevant