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HelpTest ID BARTB Bartonella, Molecular Detection, PCR, Blood
Ordering Guidance
If this test result is negative and there is a strong suspicion of disease caused by these organisms, consider BART / Bartonella Antibody Panel, IgG and IgM, Serum and Warthin-Starry tissue stain (PATHC / Pathology Consultation) testing.
Specimen Required
The high sensitivity of amplification by polymerase chain reaction 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: 1 mL
Collection Instructions: Send specimen in original tube (preferred).
Forms
If not ordering electronically, complete, print, and send a Microbiology Test Request (T244) with the specimen.
Secondary ID
89983Useful For
Aiding in the diagnosis of Bartonella infection when Bartonella DNA would be expected to be present in blood, especially endocarditis
Method Name
Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR)
Reporting Name
Bartonella PCR, BSpecimen Type
Whole Blood EDTASpecimen 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. B henselae has been associated with cat scratch disease, bacillary angiomatosis, peliosis hepatitis, and endocarditis. B 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 polymerase chain reaction (PCR) has been shown to be an effective tool for diagnosing Bartonella infection. Mayo Clinic 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
This test does not differentiate between Bartonella henselae and Bartonella quintana.
Test results should be used as an aid in diagnosis. The single assay should not be used as the only criteria to form a clinical conclusion, but results should be correlated with patient symptoms and clinical presentation. A negative result does not negate the presence of the organism or active disease.
Day(s) Performed
Monday through Friday
Report Available
2 to 7 daysPerforming Laboratory
Mayo Clinic Laboratories in Rochester
Test Classification
This test was developed and its performance characteristics determined by Mayo Clinic in a manner consistent with CLIA requirements. It has not been cleared or approved by the US Food and Drug Administration.CPT Code Information
87801