Bartonella Antibody Panel (Sendout)

Useful For: Diagnosis of Bartonella infection, especially in the context of a cat scratch. This assay can be used as an aid to diagnose recent or past infection with Bartonella henselae or Bartonella quintana.

Mayo Testing Algorithm:

• Infective Endocarditis: Diagnostic Testing for Identification of Microbiological Etiology

Reference Values:

Interpretation: A positive immunofluorescence assay (IFA) IgM (titer >1:20) suggests a current infection with either Bartonella henselae or Bartonella quintana.

A positive IgG (titer >1:128) suggests a current or previous infection. Increases in IgG titers in serial specimens suggest active infection.

Normal serum specimens usually have an IgG titer of less than 1:128. However, 5% to 10% of healthy controls exhibit a B henselae and B quintana titer of 1:128. Sera from healthy volunteers rarely show titers of 1:256 or greater. IgM titers in normal serum are typically less than 1:20. IgM titers at 1:20 or greater have not been seen in the normal population.

Molecular testing of tissue for Bartonella species nucleic acid is recommended in cases of suspected endocarditis.

Outside Laboratories: Centrifuge sample and transfer serum to a separate aliquot. Refrigerate serum.

Stability: Refrigerated (Preferred): 30 days; Frozen: 30 days; Ambient: Unacceptable.

Reject Due To: Gross hemolysis, gross lipemia.

Centrifuge sample and transfer serum to a separate plastic vial. Refrigerate serum.

Sendouts:

• Order Mayo Test: BART.
• Interfaced: Yes.

Stability: Refrigerated (Preferred): 30 days; Frozen: 30 days; Ambient: Unacceptable.

Reject Due To: Gross hemolysis, gross lipemia.