EHRLICHIA CHAFFEENSIS IGM ANTIBODY BY IFA
- Code
- 000.0000
- Name
- EHRLICHIA CHAFFEENSIS IGM ANTIBODY BY IFA
- Category
- None
- Department
- Send-Out
- Start Date
- Expiration Date
- Synonyms
- Human Monocytic Ehrlichiosis IgM Antibody, HME IgM Antibody
- CPT Codes
- 86666
- Site
- SBMF
- Reference Test
- 44329
Specimen Information
- Type
Gold, SST
- Volume
1.0 ml
- Transport Info
Centrifuge and immediately transfer serum to separate plastic tube
Refrigerated- Fasting Required?
- False
- Patient Instructions
- Reference Range
< 1:16 Negative-No significant level of Ehrlichia chaffeensis IgM antibody detected.
≥ 1:16 Positive-Presence of IgM antibody to Ehrlichia chaffeensis detected, suggestive of current or recent infection.- Methodology
Semi-Quantitative Indirect Fluorescent Antibody (IFA)
Clinical Significance
While the presence of IgM antibodies suggests current or recent infection, low levels of IgM antibodies may occasionally persist for more than 12 months post-infection. A single IgM result should be interpreted with caution.
Note:
Human ehrlichiosis is a tick-borne 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, and has been reported in various regions of the United States. The causative agent of HME has been identified as Ehrlichia chaffeensis. Infected individuals produce specific antibodies to Ehrlichia chaffeensis which can be detected by an immunofluorescent antibody (IFA) test.