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Test Code EHBAP Ehrlichia/Babesia Antibody Panel, Immunofluorescence, Serum


Ordering Guidance


This test may be nonreactive during the acute phase of the infection. For patients presenting with suspected acute infections of Ehrlichia chaffeensis or Anaplasma phagocytophilum, consider EPCRB / Ehrlichia/Anaplasma, Molecular Detection, PCR, Blood.



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: 0.6 mL

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


Useful For

As an adjunct in the diagnosis of infection with Anaplasma phagocytophilum, Ehrlichia chaffeensis, or Babesia microti

 

Seroepidemiological surveys of the prevalence of the infection in certain populations

Profile Information

Test ID Reporting Name Available Separately Always Performed
ANAP Anaplasma phagocytophilum Ab, IgG,S Yes Yes
EHRC Ehrlichia Chaffeensis (HME) Ab, IgG Yes Yes
BABG Babesia microti IgG Ab, S Yes Yes

Testing Algorithm

For more information see Acute Tick-Borne Disease Testing Algorithm.

Method Name

Immunofluorescence Assay (IFA)

Reporting Name

Ehrlichia/Babesia Ab Panel, S, IFA

Specimen Type

Serum

Specimen Minimum Volume

0.5 mL

Specimen Stability Information

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

Reference Values

ANAPLASMA PHAGOCYTOPHILUM

<1:64

Reference values apply to all ages.

 

EHRLICHIA CHAFFEENSIS

<1:64

Reference values apply to all ages.

 

BABESIA MICROTI

<1:64

Reference values apply to all ages.

Interpretation

Anaplasma phagocytophilum:

A positive result of an immunofluorescence assay (IFA) test (titer ≥1:64) suggests current or previous infection with human granulocytic ehrlichiosis (anaplasmosis). In general, the higher the titer, the more likely it is that the patient has an active infection.

 

Seroconversion may also be demonstrated by a significant increase in IFA titers.

 

During the acute phase of the infection, serologic tests are often nonreactive, polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing is available to aid in the diagnosis of these cases (see EPCRB / Ehrlichia/Anaplasma, Molecular Detection, PCR, Blood).

 

Ehrlichia chaffeensis:

A positive IFA result (titer ≥1:64) suggests current or previous infection. In general, the higher the titer, the more likely the patient has an active infection. Four-fold rises in titer also indicate active infection.

 

Previous episodes of ehrlichiosis may produce a positive serology result although antibody levels decline significantly during the year following infection.

 

Babesia microti:

A positive result of an indirect fluorescent antibody test (titer ≥1:64) suggests current or previous infection with Babesia microti. In general, the higher the titer, the more likely it is that the patient has an active infection. Patients with documented infections have usually had titers ranging from 1:320 to 1:2560.

Clinical Reference

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Tickborne Diseases of the United States: A Reference Manual for Healthcare Providers. 6th ed. US Department of Health and Human Services; 2022. Accessed December 9, 2024. Available at www.cdc.gov/ticks/tickbornediseases/TickborneDiseases-P.pdf

Day(s) Performed

Monday through Friday

Report Available

Same day/1 to 3 days

Performing Laboratory

Mayo Clinic Laboratories in Rochester

Test Classification

This test was developed using an analyte specific reagent. Its performance characteristics were determined by Mayo Clinic in a manner consistent with CLIA requirements. This test has not been cleared or approved by the US Food and Drug Administration.

CPT Code Information

86666 x 2

86753

LOINC Code Information

Test ID Test Order Name Order LOINC Value
EHBAP Ehrlichia/Babesia Ab Panel, S, IFA 101409-1

 

Result ID Test Result Name Result LOINC Value
81157 Anaplasma phagocytophilum Ab, IgG,S 23877-4
81128 Babesia microti IgG Ab, S 16117-4
81478 Ehrlichia Chaffeensis (HME) Ab, IgG 47405-6

Forms

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