Bartonella DNA, Qualitative Real-Time PCR

Test Code

11108

Alias/See Also

LAB1322

CPT Codes
87471

Includes

Bartonella henselae and Bartonella quintana

Preferred Specimen

0.7 mL whole blood collected in an EDTA (lavender-top) tube or 3x3 tissue biopsy collected in a plastic, sterile, leak-proof container

Minimum Volume

0.3 mL whole blood

Transport Container

Whole blood: EDTA (lavender-top) tube
Tissue: plastic, sterile, leak-proof container

Transport Temperature

Whole blood: Refrigerated (cold pack)
Tissue: Frozen

Specimen Stability

Room temperature: 48 hours
Refrigerated: 7 days
Frozen: 30 days

Reject Criteria (Eg, hemolysis? Lipemia? Thaw/Other?)

Heparinized whole blood

Methodology
Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction

FDA Status
This test was developed and its analytical performance characteristics have been determined by Quest Diagnostics. It has not been cleared or approved by FDA. This assay has been validated pursuant to the CLIA regulations and is used for clinical purposes.

Setup Schedule

Mon-sat

Report Available

2-4 days

Limitations

B. quintana and B. henselae as well as chlamydia species and Coxiella burnetii may cross-react and produce false-positive results.

Reference Range

B. henselae DNA, QL PCR	Not detected
B. quintana DNA, QL PCR	Not detected

Clinical Significance

Bartonella DNA PCR is a highly specific and sensitive method to detect the presence of Bartonella species DNA in clinical specimens. This assay can differentiate between Bartonella henselae and Bartonella quintana. The diagnosis of Bartonella infection should not rely solely on the result of a PCR assay. A negative PCR result indicates only the absence of Bartonella species DNA in the sample tested and does not exclude the diagnosis of the disease. Patients with a positive PCR result should be evaluated with other tests to further establish the diagnosis of the disease. A positive result should be considered in conjunction with clinical presentation and additional established clinical tests.

Performing Laboratory

Quest Diagnostics Nichols Institute-San Juan Capistrano, CA

33608 Ortega Highway

San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675-2042

The CPT Codes provided in this document are based on AMA guidelines and are for informational purposes only. CPT coding is the sole responsibility of the billing party. Please direct any questions regarding coding to the payor being billed. Any Profile/panel component may be ordered separately. Reflex tests are performed at an additional charge.