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Lab Dept:
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Serology
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Test Name:
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EHRLICHIA CHAFFEENSIS ANTIBODIES, IFA
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General Information
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Lab Order Codes:
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EHGM
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Synonyms:
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E. chaffeensis (IgM, IgG)
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CPT Codes:
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86666 x2 – Ehrlichia
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Test Includes:
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Ehrlichia chaffeensis Ab IgG and IgM reported as a titer.
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Logistics
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Test Indications:
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Useful in the diagnosis of ehrlichiosis. Human ehrlichiosis is a tick-borned disease caused by rickettsial-like agents. Two forms, human monocytic ehrlichiosis (HME) and human granulocytic ehrlichiosis (HGE), have been described. HME is often referred to as “spotless” or rashless rocky mountain spotted fever. The causative agen of human monocytic ehrlichiosis (HME) has been identified as Ehrlichia chaffeensis. Infected individuals produce specific antibodies to E. chaffeensis which can be detected by an immunofluorescent antibody (IFA) test.
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Lab Testing Sections:
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Serology - Sendouts
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Referred to:
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Mayo Medical Laboratories (MML Test# 91710), forward to Focus Diagnostics, Inc.
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Phone Numbers:
Minneapolis:
Saint Paul:
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612-813-6280
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651-220-6550
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Test Availability:
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Daily, 24 hours
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Turnaround Time:
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2 – 5 days, test performed Daily
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Special Instructions:
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N/A
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Specimen
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Specimen Type:
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Blood
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Container:
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Red top tube
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Draw Volume:
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3 mL (Minimum: 0.6 mL) blood
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Processed Volume:
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1 mL (Minimum: 0.2 mL) serum
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Collection:
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Routine venipuncture
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Special Processing:
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Lab Staff: Centrifuge specimen, remove serum aliquot into a screw-capped round bottom plastic vial. Store and ship at refrigerated temperatures. Forward promptly.
Submitting the minimum specimen volume makes it impossible to repeat the test or perform confirmatory or perform reflex testing. In some situations a minimum specimen volume may result in a QNS (quantity not sufficient) result, requiring a second specimen to be collected.
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Patient Preparation:
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None
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Sample Rejection:
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Unlabeled or mislabeled specimens
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Interpretive
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Reference Range:
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Titer: IgG
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<1:64
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Titer: IgM
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<1:20
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Interpretation: Single IgG IFA titers of 1:64 or greater indicated exposure to E. chaffeensis. Specimens demonstrating a four-fold rise in IgG titers between acute and convalescent samples and/or the presence of IgM antibody against E. chaffeensis suggest recent or current infection.
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Critical Values:
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N/A
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Limitations:
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N/A
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Methodology:
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Immunofluorescence Assay (IFA)
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References:
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Mayo Medical Laboratories (September 2010)
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