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Test Code Ehrl PCR Ehrlichia by PCR

Useful For

Detection and identification of tick-borne Ehrlichiosis and/or Anaplasmosis.

Patient Preparation

No special patient preparation required

Collection Method

Venous collection, Lumbar Puncture

Minimum Volume

3 mL

Container

Pink Top EDTA

Preferred Specimen

Pink Top EDTA – Whole Blood

Acceptable Specimens

  • Pink Top EDTA whole blood
  • Lavender Top EDTA whole blood

Reference or Target Ranges

Not Detected

Reportable Units

Detected/Not Detected

Critical Value

Not defined for this assay

Reasons for Rejection

Hemolysis Threshold N/A
Icterus Threshold N/A
Lipemia Threshold N/A
Interfering Subtances/Other
  • Specimen rejected if collected outside the months of April-October.
  • Specimens rejected if plasma has been separated from cells.
  • Leakage or contamination of specimen, improper collection, container or transport, questionable patient or specimen identification, insufficient quantity

Specimen Stability

Ambient Blood and CSF: 4 hours
Refrigerated (4°C to 8°C) CSF: 4 Hours
Blood: 24 Hours
Frozen(-70°C to 0°C) CSF: 7 Days

Note:
After collection, EDTA specimens and CSF specimens may be held and transported at room temperature. If transportation is delayed >4 hours, specimens must be transferred with a frozen ice pack. If specimens will not reach the laboratory for >24 hours after collection, please store EDTA at 2-8°C and CSF at -20°C.

Performance Information

Days and Time Performed Daily Monday – Friday
Expected Turn Around Time 24 – 48 Hours on receipt in lab
Stat Availabilty No
Performing Bench Molecular Pathology
Methodology/Method Description Elitech InGenius – Polymerase Chain Reaction

Additional Information/Important Notes

Test offered April through October due to prevalence. Testing outside those months may be sent to Mayo Medical Lab if indicated.

CPT Codes

87798x2, 87468, 87484

Panel Components

  • Ehrlichia chafeensis
  • Ehrlichia Muris type
  • Ehrlichia ewingii
  • Anaplasma phagocytophilum