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HelpTest Code BARTB Bartonella, Molecular Detection, PCR, Blood
Reporting Name
Bartonella PCR, BUseful For
Diagnosing Bartonella infection when Bartonella DNA would be expected to be present in blood, especially endocarditis
Performing Laboratory
Mayo Clinic Laboratories in Rochester
Specimen Type
Whole Blood EDTAAdvisory Information
BART / Bartonella Antibody Panel, IgG and IgM, Serum and/or Warthin-Starry tissue stain (PATHC / Pathology Consultation) should be considered if PCR is negative and there remains a strong suspicion of disease caused by these organisms.
Specimen Required
The high sensitivity of amplification by PCR requires the specimen to be processed in an environment in which contamination of the specimen by Bartonella species DNA is unlikely.
Container/Tube:
Preferred: Lavender top (EDTA)
Acceptable: Royal blue top (EDTA), pink top (EDTA), or sterile vial containing EDTA-derived aliquot
Specimen Volume: 1 mL
Collection Instructions: Send specimen in original tube (preferred).
Specimen Minimum Volume
0.5 mL
Specimen Stability Information
| Specimen Type | Temperature | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Whole Blood EDTA | Refrigerated (preferred) | 7 days |
| Ambient | 7 days | |
| Frozen | 7 days |
Reference Values
Not applicable
Day(s) and Time(s) Performed
Monday, Wednesday, Friday
Test Classification
This test was developed and its performance characteristics determined by Mayo Clinic in a manner consistent with CLIA requirements. This test has not been cleared or approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.CPT Code Information
87801
LOINC Code Information
| Test ID | Test Order Name | Order LOINC Value |
|---|---|---|
| BARTB | Bartonella PCR, B | 16275-0 |
| Result ID | Test Result Name | Result LOINC Value |
|---|---|---|
| SRC98 | Specimen Source | 31208-2 |
| 56056 | Bartonella PCR | 16275-0 |
Clinical Information
Bartonella henselae and B quintana are small, pleomorphic, gram-negative bacilli that are difficult to isolate by culture due to their fastidious growth requirements. B henselae has been associated with cat scratch disease, bacillary angiomatosis, peliosis hepatitis, and endocarditis. B quintana has been associated with trench fever, bacillary angiomatosis, and endocarditis.
The diagnosis of Bartonella infection has traditionally been made by Warthin-Starry staining of infected tissue and serology. However, these methods may be nonspecific or falsely negative, especially in the early stages of disease.
Evaluation of infected tissue or blood using PCR has been shown to be an effective tool for diagnosing Bartonella infection. Mayo Clinic Laboratories has developed a real-time PCR test that permits rapid identification of Bartonella species. The assay targets a unique sequence of the citrate synthase (gltA) gene present in Bartonella species.
Analytic Time
2 daysNY State Approved
YesMethod Name
Forms
If not ordering electronically, complete, print, and send a Microbiology Test Request Form (T244) with the specimen (http://www.mayomedicallaboratories.com/it-mmfiles/microbiology_test_request_form.pdf)