Synonyms
- Babesia, DNA
- Babesia, PCR
Test Includes
Babesia microti
Expected Turnaround Time
3 - 4 days
Turnaround time is defined as the usual number of days from the date of pickup of a specimen for testing to when the result is released to the ordering provider. In some cases, additional time should be allowed for additional confirmatory or additional reflex tests. Testing schedules may vary.
Specimen Requirements
Specimen
Whole blood
Volume
0.5 mL
Minimum Volume
0.2 mL
Container
Lavender-top (EDTA) tube or yellow-top (ACD) tube
Storage Instructions
Refrigerate
Stability Requirements
Temperature | Period |
|---|---|
Room temperature | 7 days |
Refrigerated | 7 days |
Frozen | Unstable |
Freeze/thaw cycles | Unstable |
Causes for Rejection
Extensive hemolysis; lipemia; clotted specimen; quantity not sufficient for analysis; gross specimen contamination; specimen too old; leaking or broken tube
Test Details
Use
This test is intended to be used as an aid in the diagnosis of Babesia microti infection.
Limitations
This test is intended to detect Babesia microti, the primary etiologic agent of human babesiosis in the United States. Cross-reactivity may occur with other human pathogenic species, such as Babesia duncani (WA-1), Babesia divergens, and Babesia MO-1. Alternate approaches, such as organism-specific serologic testing, should be considered if a definitive identification is required.
Methodology
Real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR)
LOINC® Map
| Order Code | Order Code Name | Order Loinc | Result Code | Result Code Name | UofM | Result LOINC |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 138318 | Babesia microti, PCR | 21089-8 | 139153 | Babesia microti, PCR | 21089-8 |
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The LOINC® codes are copyright © 1994-2021, Regenstrief Institute, Inc. and the Logical Observation Identifiers Names and Codes (LOINC) Committee. Permission is granted in perpetuity, without payment of license fees or royalties, to use, copy, or distribute the LOINC® codes for any commercial or non-commercial purpose, subject to the terms under the license agreement found at https://loinc.org/license/. Additional information regarding LOINC® codes can be found at LOINC.org, including the LOINC Manual, which can be downloaded at LOINC.org/downloads/files/LOINCManual.pdf