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TEST ID EHRC Ehrlichia chaffeensis (HME) Antibody, IgG, Serum

Reporting Name

Ehrlichia Chaffeensis (HME) Ab, IgG

Specimen Type

Serum


Specimen Required


Supplies: Sarstedt Aliquot Tube, 5 mL (T914)

Collection Container/Tube:

Preferred: Serum gel

Acceptable: Red top

Submission Container/Tube: Plastic vial

Specimen Volume: 0.5 mL

Collection Instructions: Centrifuge and aliquot serum into a plastic vial.


Specimen Minimum Volume

0.4 mL

Specimen Stability Information

Specimen Type Temperature Time
Serum Refrigerated (preferred) 14 days
  Frozen  14 days

Testing Algorithm

For more information see Acute Tick-Borne Disease Testing Algorithm

Method Name

Immunofluorescence Assay (IFA)

Reject Due To

Gross hemolysis Reject
Gross lipemia Reject
Gross icterus Reject
Heat-inactivated specimen Reject

Reference Values

<1:64

Reference values apply to all ages.

Day(s) Performed

Monday through Friday

Report Available

Same day/1 to 3 days

Specimen Retention Time

14 days

Performing Laboratory

Mayo Clinic Laboratories in Rochester

CPT Code Information

86666

Forms

If not ordering electronically, complete, print, and send Infectious Disease Serology Test Request (T916) with the specimen.

Useful For

An adjunct in the diagnosis of ehrlichiosis

 

Seroepidemiological surveys of the prevalence of the infection in certain populations

Clinical Information

Ehrlichia chaffeensis is an intracellular rickettsia-like bacterium that preferentially infects monocytes and is sequestered in parasitophorous vacuoles referred to as morulae. Infections with E chaffeensis are also referred to as human monocytotropic ehrlichiosis (HME). E chaffeensis is transmitted by Amblyomma species ticks, which are found throughout the Southeastern and South-central United States.

 

Many cases of HME are subclinical or mild, however, the infection can be severe and life-threatening, particularly in immunosuppressed individuals. Reported mortality rates range from 2% to 3%. Fever, fatigue, malaise, headache, and other "flu-like" symptoms occur most commonly. Leukopenia, thrombocytopenia, and elevated hepatic transaminases are frequent laboratory findings.