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Test ID FBAB Babesia microti Antibodies (IgG, IgM)

Method Name

Immunofluorescence Assay (IFA)

Reporting Name

Babesia Microti Antibodies IgG, IgM

Specimen Type

Serum

Draw blood in a plain, red-top tube(s) or serum gel tube(s). Spin down and send 1 mL of serum refrigerate in a plastic vial.

Specimen Minimum Volume

0.1 mL

Specimen Stability Information

Specimen Type Temperature Time
Serum Refrigerated (preferred) 7 days
  Frozen  30 days
  Ambient  8 hours

Reference Values

Reference Ranges

IgG: <1:64

IgM:<1:20

Elevated antibody levels to B. microti indicate exposure to the organism. Human babesiosis infection is transmitted by the bite of an infected Ixodes tick or less frequently from transfusion with blood from an infected donor. Definitive diagnosis is made by identifying intraerythrocytic organisms in peripheral blood. In patients with low parasitemia, antibody detection by IFA is recommended. IgG levels greater than or equal to 1:1024 can be detected in acute phase patients with parasites in blood smears. The IFA assay can be used as a seroepidemiologic tool to study the frequency and distribution of B. microti in endemic areas especially in persons with mixed infections also involving Borrelia burgdorferi.

 

Day(s) Performed

Monday through Friday

Report Available

1 - 4 days

Performing Laboratory

Focus Diagnositics, Inc.

Test Classification

This test was developed and its performance characteristics have been determined by Focus Diagnostics. It has not been cleared or approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. The FDA has determined that such clearance or approval is not necessary. Performance characteristics refer to the analytical performance of the test.

CPT Code Information

86753/x2

NY State Approved

Yes