BABESIA MICROTI (WH)
 

Test Code
BABESIA


CPT Codes
87798

Preferred Specimen
WHOLE BLOOD- LAVENDER EDTA TUBE


Minimum Volume
1 ML


Instructions
DRAW 1 LAVENDER WHOLE BLOOD TUBE, MIX WELL AND SEND REFRIGERATED.  DO NOT SPIN OR SEPARATE.


Transport Container
ORIGINAL TUBE-WHOLE BLOOD


Transport Temperature
REFRIGERATED


Methodology
PCR

Limitations
Patients infected with Malaria may cause false positive results.


Reference Range
Not Detected


Clinical Significance
Babesia microti DNA PCR is a highly specific and sensitive method to detect the presence of B. microti DNA in clinical specimens; DNA sequences from the closely related canine pathogen B. gibsoni are not detected by this assay. The diagnosis of Human Babesiosis should not rely solely upon the result of a PCR assay. A positive result should be considered in conjunction with clinical presentation and additional established clinical tests. A negative PCR result indicates the absence of B. microti DNA in the sample tested and does not exclude the diagnosis of disease.


Performing Laboratory
V.A. WEST HAVEN, CT



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.