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HelpTest ID: BARTB Bartonella, Molecular Detection, PCR, Blood
Reporting Name
Bartonella PCR, BUseful For
Aiding in the diagnosis of Bartonella infection when Bartonella DNA would be expected to be present in blood, especially endocarditis
Clinical Information
Bartonella henselae and Bartonella 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 polymerase chain reaction (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.
Interpretation
A positive result indicates the presence of Bartonella species DNA.
A negative result indicates the absence of detectable Bartonella DNA but does not negate the presence of the organism and may occur due to inhibition of PCR, sequence variability underlying primers or probes, or the presence of Bartonella DNA in quantities less than the limit of detection of the assay.
Report Available
2 to 7 daysDay(s) Performed
Monday through Friday
Clinical Reference
1. Liesman RM, Pritt BS, Maleszewski JJ, Patel R: Laboratory diagnosis of infective endocarditis. J Clin Microbiol. 2017 Sep;55(9):2599-2608. doi: 10.1128/jcm.00635-17
2. Dumler JS, Carroll KC, Patel R: Bartonella. In: Carroll KC, Pfaller M, eds. Manual of Clinical Microbiology. 12th ed. ASM Press; 2019:chap 50
Method Name
Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR)
Specimen Type
Whole Blood EDTAOrdering Guidance
If this test result is negative and there is a strong suspicion of disease caused by these organisms, consider BART / Bartonella Antibody Panel, IgG and IgM, Serum and Warthin-Starry tissue stain (PATHC / Pathology Consultation) testing.
Specimen Required
The high sensitivity of amplification by polymerase chain reaction 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 | Special Container |
|---|---|---|---|
| Whole Blood EDTA | Refrigerated (preferred) | 7 days | |
| Ambient | 7 days | ||
| Frozen | 7 days |
Reference Values
Not applicable
Test Classification
This test was developed and its performance characteristics determined by Mayo Clinic in a manner consistent with CLIA requirements. It has not been cleared or approved by the US 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 |
Forms
If not ordering electronically, complete, print, and send a Microbiology Test Request (T244) with the specimen.
mml-CNS-Infections, mml-Pediatric