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Babesia microti IgG and IgM Antibodies

Test Codes

EPIC: LAB6611, Beaker: XBMAB, ARUP: 93048

Department

Send Outs

Instructions

Acute and convalescent specimens must be labeled as such; parallel testing is preferred, and convalescent specimens must be received within 30 days from receipt of the acute samples. Please mark sample plainly as "acute" or "convalescent."

Specimen Collection Criteria

Collect (preferred specimen): One Gold-top SST tube.
Also acceptable: One plain Red-top tube.

Physician Office/Draw Specimen Preparation

Let specimen clot 30-60 minutes then centrifuge to separate serum from cells within two hours of collection. Transfer serum to a plastic transport tube and refrigerate (2-8°C or 36-46°F).

Preparation for Courier Transport

Transport: 1.0 mL serum, refrigerated (2-8°C or 36-46°F) (Minimum: 0.4 mL)

Rejection Criteria

• Hemolyzed specimens.
• Lipemic specimens.
• Specimens not collected and processed as indicated.

In-Lab Processing

Let specimen clot 30-60 minutes then centrifuge to separate serum from cells within two hours of collection. Transfer serum to a plastic transport tube and refrigerate (2-8°C or 36-46°F).

Transport: 1.0 mL serum, refrigerated (2-8°C or 36-46°F) (Minimum: 0.4 mL)

Storage

Specimen Stability for Testing:

Room Temperature (20-26°C or 68-78.8°F): 48 hours
Refrigerated (2-8°C or 36-46°F): 14 days
Frozen (-20°C/-4°F or below): 1 year

Specimen Storage in Department Prior to Disposal:

Specimen retention time is determined by the policy of the reference laboratory. Contact the Send Outs Laboratory with any questions.

Laboratory

Sent to ARUP Laboratories, Salt Lake City, UT.

Performed

Monday, Wednesday, Saturday.
Results available in 2-6 days.

Reference Range

By report.

Test Methodology

Semi-Quantitative Indirect Fluorescent Antibody (IFA).

Interpretation

Coinfection with B. microti, a tick-borne intraerythrocyte protozoan that causes a malaria-like illnes. B. microti and and Borrelia burgdorferi can occur in endemic areas. Detection of Babesia-specific IgM or high titers of Babesia-specific IgG (greater than or equal to 1:512) is consistent with recent infection. Antibody concentrations generally peak within one month of exposure.

NOTE: This assay does not detect B. duncani or strain MO-1.

Clinical Utility

This assay aids in the diagnosis of babesiosis.

CPT Codes

86753 x 2.

Contacts

Last Updated

10/17/2023