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Test ID BARTB Bartonella, Molecular Detection, PCR, Blood

Useful For

Diagnosing Bartonella infection where Bartonella DNA would be expected to be present in blood, especially endocarditis

Method Name

Rapid Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR)

(PCR is utilized pursuant to a license agreement with Roche Molecular Systems, Inc.)

Reporting Name

Bartonella PCR, B

Specimen Type

Whole Blood EDTA

The 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.

 

Container/Tube:

Preferred: Lavender top (EDTA)

Acceptable: Royal blue top (EDTA), pink top (EDTA), or sterile vial containing EDTA derived aliquot

Specimen Volume: 3 mL

Collection Instructions: Send specimen in original tube.

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 Minimum Volume

0.5 mL

Specimen Stability Information

Specimen Type Temperature Time
Whole Blood EDTA Refrigerated (preferred) 7 days
  Ambient  7 days
  Frozen  7 days

Clinical Information

Bartonella henselae and Bartonella quintana are small, pleomorphic, gram-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 and serology. However, these methods may be nonspecific or falsely negative, especially in the early stages of disease.

 

Evaluation of infected tissue or blood 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 (gltA) gene present in Bartonella species.

Reference Values

Not applicable

Cautions

BART / Bartonella Antibody Panel, IgG and IgM, Serum and/or 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.

 

This test does not differentiate between Bartonella henselae and Bartonella quintana.

Day(s) Performed

Monday, Wednesday, Friday

Report Available

2 days

Performing 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

NY State Approved

Conditional