Description
WHAT IS A BABESIOSIS LAB TEST?
The Babesiosis Lab Test tests for a specific tick-borne disease. Babesiosis is caused by microscopic parasites that infect red blood cells and are spread by certain ticks. In the United States, tickborne transmission is most common during the warm months. Babesia microti is transmitted by the bite of infected black-legged tick (Ixodes sscapularis) typically, by the nymph stage of the tick, which is about the size of a poppy seed.
WHAT IS THE PRICE OF A BABESIOSIS LAB TEST?
$220.00
WHY DO I NEED TO BE TESTED FOR BABESIOSIS?
People who are infected with Babesia develop nonspecific flu-like symptoms, such as fever, chills, sweats, headache, body aches, loss of appetite, nausea, or fatigue. In a subset of people, Babesia microti can cause a long lasting parasitemia, resulting in chronic symptoms, including fatigue. Because Babesia parasites infect and destroy red blood cells, babesiosis can cause a special type of anemia called hemolytic anemia. This type of anemia can lead to jaundice (yellowing of the skin) and dark urine.
Babesiosis can be a severe, life-threatening disease, particularly in people who:
• do not have a spleen;
• have a weak immune system for other reasons (such as cancer, lymphoma, or AIDS);
• have other serious health conditions (such as liver or kidney disease); or
• are elderly.
Complications of babesiosis can include:
• a low and unstable blood pressure;
• severe hemolytic anemia (hemolysis);
• a very low platelet count (thrombocytopenia);
• disseminated intravascular coagulation (also known as “DIC” or consumptive coagulopathy), which can lead to blood clots and bleeding;
• malfunction of vital organs (such as the kidneys, lungs, and liver); or
• death.
ARE THERE SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS FOR THE BABESIOSIS LAB TEST?
None.
Other relevant lab tests
Ehrlichia Lab Test
Anaplasma Lab Test
Rickettsia Lab Test
PCR Tick Panel
Bartonella Single or Triple Draw
Comprehensive Bartonella Plus Tick Panel
HOW LONG WILL IT TAKE TO GET MY TEST RESULTS?
Test results take approximately two (2) weeks after your specimen is collected.
WHAT ARE THE TEST RANGES FOR THE BABESCIOSIS LAB TEST?
Positive or Negative. Positive results include DNA sequence identification of species detected.
Indeterminate PCR, Indeterminate Sequence – A positive PCR was obtained. However, DNA sequencing was not successful and repeat PCR was negative.
IF MY TEST RESULTS ARE POSITIVE, WHAT TYPE OF PHYSICIAN SHOULD I SEE?
Please consult with your Primary Care Physician or Infectious Disease Specialist if your test results are positive.
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