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Quest Diagnostics

Babesia microti DNA Real-Time PCR

Quest Diagnostics

Sample type: Whole blood

Requires fasting: No

Phlebotomy required

Details

Diagnosing Babesiosis early is challenging due to general symptoms like fever, chills, and headache. This test is crucial for identifying the disease, especially in those who are elderly or have weakened immune systems. It helps ensure the safety of blood products by detecting Babesia microti DNA quickly and accurately, without confusion from similar pathogens.

  • Babesia microti DNA Real-Time PCR

Estimated days for results: Results should be available in 2 - 5 business days after the sample is collected

Babesia microti DNA Real-Time PCR
This test detects the DNA of Babesia microti, a parasite that infects red blood cells and causes Babesiosis, in whole blood or ticks. Babesiosis is mainly spread through the bite of an infected tick, but can also be transmitted via contaminated blood products, organ transplants, or from mother to baby during pregnancy or delivery.

Why is this test important?
Diagnosing Babesiosis early is challenging due to general symptoms like fever, chills, and headache. This test is crucial for identifying the disease, especially in those who are elderly or have weakened immune systems. It helps ensure the safety of blood products by detecting Babesia microti DNA quickly and accurately, without confusion from similar pathogens.

Who should consider this test?
If you've been bitten by a tick, received a blood transfusion, or are experiencing symptoms such as fever, chills, headache, muscle pain, or loss of appetite, this test may be recommended.

What type of sample is required?
0.7 mL of whole blood in an EDTA (lavender-top) tube or 1 tick (preserved in 70% ethanol) in a sterile, leak-proof container.

2–5 business days

  • Infectious Disease
  • Lyme & tick-borne disease

Blood Draw Options with Fullscript
Fullscript offers several convenient phlebotomy options to complete your lab testing:

Quest Diagnostics Patient Service Centers (PSC)

  • Location: Visit a nearby Quest Diagnostics Patient Service Center.
  • Cost: $10 sample collection fee (paid during lab order checkout).
  • Scheduling: Schedule your appointment here. Appointments are recommended to reduce wait times. Walk-ins are accepted, but may experience delays. Aim to arrive 10 minutes before your appointment.
  • Collection Instructions:
    • Bring a valid ID.
    • Bring your digital or printed requisition form, available in the Labs tab of your Fullscript account.
  • Check-in: Scan the QR code from your confirmation email or follow kiosk instructions.
  • More Info: Quest Diagnostics blood draw guide

Getlabs Mobile Phlebotomy

  • Location: Sample collection at your home or office.
  • Cost: $85 sample collection fee (paid during lab order checkout).
  • Availability: Available in most locations – enter your ZIP code during checkout to confirm.
  • Scheduling: Schedule your appointment here through your Fullscript account.
  • Collection Instructions:
    • Have your digital or printed requisition form and valid ID ready.
    • Your phlebotomist will contact you by phone to coordinate arrival.
  • More Info: Getlabs blood draw guide
 Specimen
  • Preferred Specimen(s): 0.7 mL whole blood collected in an EDTA (lavender-top) 
  • Alternative: NA 
  • Minimum Volume: 0.5 mL 
  • Collection Instructions: NA 
 Storage and shipping instructions
  • Transport Container: EDTA (lavender-top) tube 
  • Transport Temperature: Refrigerated (Cold Packs) 
  • Specimen Stability: 
    • Room temperature: 48 hours 
    • Refrigerated: 7 days 
    • Frozen: 30 days 
  • Reject Criteria: 
    • Lithium heparin (green-top) tube • Sodium heparin (green-top) tube 
State restrictions:

Patient can't order this test if they are located in Hawaii, Puerto Rico, New Jersey, New York, or Rhode Island

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