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HelpTest ID BARRP Bartonella, Molecular Detection, PCR
Useful For
Diagnosing Bartonella infection
Method Name
Rapid Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR)
(PCR is utilized pursuant to a license agreement with Roche Molecular Systems, Inc.)
Reporting Name
Bartonella PCRSpecimen Type
VariesThe high sensitivity of amplification by PCR requires the specimen to be processed in an environment in which contamination of the specimen by Bartonella species DNA is unlikely.
Forms: If not ordering electronically, complete, print, and send 1 of the following forms with the specimen:
Microbiology Test Request Form (T244) (http://www.mayomedicallaboratories.com/it-mmfiles/microbiology_test_request_form.pdf)
Neurology Test Request Form-General (T732) (http://www.mayomedicallaboratories.com/it-mmfiles/neurology-request-form.pdf)
Specimen source is required.
Submit only 1 of the following specimens:
Specimen Type: Fresh tissue or biopsy
Sources: Heart valve, liver, lymph node, or spleen
Container/Tube: Sterile container
Specimen Volume: Entire collection or 5 mm(3)
Collection Instructions: Collect fresh tissue specimen.
Specimen Stability Information: Refrigerated (preferred) <7 days/ Frozen <7 days
Specimen Type: Paraffin-embedded tissue block
Sources: Heart valve, liver, lymph node, or spleen
Container/Tube: Sterile vial
Specimen Volume: Submit formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tissue block to be cut and returned; or two to five 10-micron sections in a sterile container (Minimum volume: two 10-micron sections).
Specimen Stability Information: Ambient (preferred)/Refrigerated
Specimen Type: Fluid
Sources: Cerebrospinal, synovial, or ocular (eg, vitreous humor fluid)
Container/Tube: Sterile vial
Specimen Volume: 0.5 mL
Specimen Stability Information: Refrigerated (preferred) <7 days/Frozen <7 days
Specimen Minimum Volume
Tissue: 5 mm(3) or two 10-micron sections/Ocular fluid: 0.5 mL
Specimen Stability Information
| Specimen Type | Temperature | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Varies | Varies | |
Clinical Information
Bartonella henselae and Bartonella quintana are small, pleomorphic, Gram stain-negative bacilli that are difficult to isolate by culture due to their fastidious growth requirements. Bartonella henselae has been associated with cat scratch disease, bacillary angiomatosis, peliosis hepatitis, and endocarditis. Bartonella quintana has been associated with trench fever, bacillary angiomatosis, and endocarditis.
The diagnosis of Bartonella infection has traditionally been made by Warthin-Starry staining of infected tissue or serology. However, these methods may be falsely negative or nonspecific, respectively. Culture is insensitive.
Evaluation of infected tissue using PCR has been shown to be an effective tool for diagnosing Bartonella infection. Mayo Medical Laboratories has developed a real-time PCR test that permits rapid identification of Bartonella species. The assay targets a unique sequence of the citrate synthase gene present in Bartonella species.
Reference Values
Not applicable
Cautions
This test does not differentiate between Bartonella henselae and Bartonella quintana.
Inhibition of <2% has been noted in formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tissues. In a study of 178 ocular fluids, no inhibition was detected, although this is a possibility due to the relatively small number of specimens tested.
BART / Bartonella Antibody Panel, IgG and IgM, Serum and 9943 / Warthin-Starry Stain of tissue should be considered if PCR is negative and there is a strong suspicion of disease caused by these organisms.
Day(s) Performed
Monday, Wednesday, Friday
Report Available
2 daysPerforming Laboratory
Mayo Medical Laboratories in Rochester
Test Classification
This test was developed and its performance characteristics determined by Mayo Clinic in a manner consistent with CLIA requirements. This test has not been cleared or approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.CPT Code Information
87801