Test Code LBABM Babesia species, Molecular Detection, PCR, Blood
Additional Codes
| Mayo | BABPB |
| Epic ID | LAB2305 |
Specimen Type
Whole Blood EDTAOrdering Guidance
This is a qualitative assay, and the results are reported either as negative or positive for targeted Babesia species DNA.
Specimen Required
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 whole blood specimen in original tube (preferred).
Specimen Minimum Volume
0.5 mL
Specimen Stability Information
| Specimen Type | Temperature | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Whole Blood EDTA | Refrigerated (preferred) | 7 days |
| Frozen | 7 days |
Transport refrigerated in original tube.
Reject Due To
| Gross hemolysis | OK |
| Gross lipemia | Reject |
Performing Laboratory
Mayo Clinic Laboratories in Rochester
Method Name
Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR)/DNA Probe Hybridization
Useful For
Initial screening or confirmatory testing for suspected babesiosis during the acute febrile stage of infection in patients from endemic areas, especially when Giemsa-stained peripheral blood smears do not reveal any organisms, or the organism morphology is inconclusive
Day(s) Performed
Monday through Sunday
Report Available
Same day/1 to 4 daysReference Values
Negative
Reference values apply to all ages.
CPT Code Information
87798 x2
87469
87999 (if appropriate for government payers)