Test Details
Methodology
Immunofluorescence assay (IFA)
Result Turnaround Time
2 - 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.
Test Includes
Babesia IgG; Babesia, IgM
Use
This test is a screening assay for Babesia microti infection or exposure.
Serological testing for antibodies to Babesia microti (B. microti) can provide evidence to support a diagnosis of babesiosis. Serology should not be used for routine diagnosis of acute babesiosis, as it is difficult to distinguish active from past infection using serology alone. A B. microti IgG antibody titer of greater than or equal to 1:1024 or the presence of B. microti IgM antibody are suggestive of active or recent B. microti infection, while a 4-fold rise in Babesia IgG antibody in sera from the time of acute illness to the time of convalescence confirms the diagnosis. Individuals positive for B. microti antibodies should have confirmatory testing performed by PCR or peripheral blood smear before treatment is considered. The diagnosis of acute babesiosis cannot be confirmed solely by the presence of Babesia antibody in a serum sample collected at a single time point. Babesiosis coinfection should be considered in Lyme disease patients with severe illness, in those whose symptoms are unlikely to be explained by B. burgdorferi infection alone, or in those who do not respond well to standard antibiotic therapy for Lyme disease.
Limitations
The diagnosis of acute babesiosis cannot be confirmed solely by the presence of Babesia antibody in a serum sample collected at a single time point. Antibody detection by serologic testing can provide supportive evidence for the diagnosis of babesiosis but does not reliably distinguish between active and prior infection.
This test was developed and its performance characteristics determined by Labcorp. It has not been cleared or approved by the Food and Drug Administration.
References
Specimen Requirements
Specimen
Serum
Volume
1 mL
Minimum Volume
0.2 mL
Container
Red-top tube or gel-barrier tube or serum transfer tube
Collection Instructions
If tube other than a gel-barrier tube is used, transfer separated serum to a labeled plastic transport tube. Do not freeze gel-barrier tube; pour off serum first.
Stability Requirements
Temperature | Period |
---|---|
Room temperature | 14 days |
Refrigerated | 14 days |
Frozen | 14 days |
Freeze/thaw cycles | Stable x4 |
Storage Instructions
Room temperature
Causes for Rejection
Extensive hemolysis; lipemia; clotted specimen; quantity not sufficient for analysis; leaking or broken tube; frozen gel-barrier tube
LOINC® Map
Order Code | Order Code Name | Order Loinc | Result Code | Result Code Name | UofM | Result LOINC |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
138315 | Babesia microti Antibody Panel | 88728-1 | 138316 | Babesia microti IgG | 16117-4 | |
138315 | Babesia microti Antibody Panel | 88728-1 | 138317 | Babesia microti IgM | 16118-2 | |
138315 | Babesia microti Antibody Panel | 88728-1 | 164117 | Result Comment: | N/A | |
Order Code | 138315 | |||||
Order Code Name | Babesia microti Antibody Panel | |||||
Order Loinc | 88728-1 | |||||
Result Code | 138316 | |||||
Result Code Name | Babesia microti IgG | |||||
UofM | ||||||
Result LOINC | 16117-4 | |||||
Order Code | 138315 | |||||
Order Code Name | Babesia microti Antibody Panel | |||||
Order Loinc | 88728-1 | |||||
Result Code | 138317 | |||||
Result Code Name | Babesia microti IgM | |||||
UofM | ||||||
Result LOINC | 16118-2 | |||||
Order Code | 138315 | |||||
Order Code Name | Babesia microti Antibody Panel | |||||
Order Loinc | 88728-1 | |||||
Result Code | 164117 | |||||
Result Code Name | Result Comment: | |||||
UofM | ||||||
Result LOINC | N/A |