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TEST ID BABPB Babesia species, Molecular Detection, PCR, Blood

Reporting Name

Babesia species PCR, B

Specimen Type

Whole Blood EDTA


Ordering Guidance


This is a qualitative assay, and the results are reported either as negative or positive for targeted Babesia species DNA.



Specimen Required


Container/Tube: Lavender top (EDTA)

Specimen Volume: 1 mL

Collection Instructions: Send whole blood specimen in original tube. Do not aliquot.


Specimen Minimum Volume

0.5 mL

Specimen Stability Information

Specimen Type Temperature Time Special Container
Whole Blood EDTA Refrigerated 7 days

Method Name

Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR)/DNA Probe Hybridization

Reject Due To

Gross hemolysis OK
Gross lipemia Reject

Reference Values

Negative

Reference values apply to all ages.

Day(s) Performed

Monday through Saturday

Report Available

Same day/1 to 4 days

Specimen Retention Time

1 week

Performing Laboratory

Mayo Clinic Laboratories in Rochester

CPT Code Information

87798 x2         

87469  

87999 (if appropriate for government payers)

Forms

If not ordering electronically, complete, print, and send a Microbiology Test Request (T244) with the specimen.

Useful For

Initial screening or confirmatory testing for suspected babesiosis during the acute febrile stage of infection in patients from endemic areas, especially when Giemsa-stained peripheral blood smears do not reveal any organisms, or the organism morphology is inconclusive