Anaplasma phagocytophilum DNA, Qualitative Real-Time PCR

Test Code

17320

CPT Codes
87468

Preferred Specimen

0.7 mL whole blood collected in an EDTA (lavender-top) tube, or ACD (yellow-top) tube

Minimum Volume

0.3 mL whole blood

Other Acceptable Specimens

1 tick (in 70% ethanol) submitted in a sterile, leak-proof container

Transport Temperature

Refrigerated (cold packs)

Specimen Stability

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

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

Hemolysis • Heparin 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

Set up: Mon-Sat; Report available: 1-3 days

Reference Range

Not detected

Clinical Significance

Human granulocytic ehrlichiosis (HGE) DNA PCR is a highly sensitive and specific method to detect the agent responsible for HGE, Ehrlichia equi and Ehrlichia phagocytophilia. This assay does not recognize sequences for the human ehrlichial pathogen Ehrlichia chaffeensis. The diagnosis of HGE infection should be considered in conjunction with clinical presentation and additional established clinical tests. A negative PCR result indicates the absence of HGE at detectable levels in the sample tested and does not exclude the diagnosis of disease.

Performing Laboratory
Quest Diagnostics Nichols Institute
14225 Newbrook Drive
Chantilly, VA 20153

Last Updated: August 12, 2019

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.