Molecular Detection

Molecular detection of Babesia microti in clinical specimens.

Whole blood. Minimum volume of blood required is 2.0 mL.

Collect blood in EDTA tubes. AVOID HEPARIN.

Store specimens refrigerated up to 5 days and ship on wet ice.

Shipping of specimens shall be done by a TDG certified individual in accordance with TDG regulations. For additional information regarding classification of specimens for the purposes of shipping, consult either Part 2 Appendix 3 of the TDG Regulations or section 3.6.2 of the IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations as applicable.

Appropriate clinical symptoms with potential exposure to blacklegged ticks.

Completed requisition for Tick-borne Disease Diagnostic Testing. If possible, include the clinical history and lab results performed at local or provincial laboratories.

Specimens may be subject to rejection if they are not the appropriate sample type, have insufficient volume, or are not accompanied by relevant patient information.

THIS TEST IS PERFORMED FOR INVESTIGATIONAL OR RESEARCH PURPOSES ONLY

In-house conventional and real-time PCR assays. If amplicons are generated by conventional PCR, they are subjected to direct sequencing for identification.

Initiation of antibiotic treatment prior to testing may result in decreased bacterial genome which will affect the outcome of PCR testing.

15 calendar days.

1. Nakajima, R., Tsuji, M., Oda, K., et al. 2009. Babesia microti-group parasites compared phylogenetically by complete sequencing of the CCT? gene in 36 isolates. J. Vet. Med. Sci. 71(1): 55-68, 2009.
2. Persing, D.H., Mathiesen, D., Marshall, W.F., Telford, S.R., Spielman, A., Thomford, J.W., Conrad, P.A. Detection of Babesia microti by polymerase chain reaction. J Clin Microbiol 1992;30:2097-103.