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Specimen Collection Manual and Test Catalog

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BARTONELLA DNA, REAL-TIME PCR

Geisinger Epic Procedure Code:  LAB1820    Geisinger Epic ID:  35453

SPECIMEN COLLECTION
Specimen type: 

Whole blood or tissue


Preferred collection container: 
Specimen required: 

0.7 mL whole blood; minimum 0.3 mL OR 3 mm3 tissue; minimum 1 mm3



SPECIMEN PROCESSING
Processing instructions: 

Whole blood: Do not centrifuge.


Transport temperature: 

Tissue: Frozen. 
Whole Blood: Refrigerated.


Specimen stability: 

Tissue: Room Temperature: 48 hours. Refrigerated: 7 days. Frozen: 1 month. 
Whole Blood: Room temperature: 48 hours. Refrigerated: 7 days. Frozen: unacceptable.


Rejection criteria: 

Improper transport temperature. Hemolyzed whole blood. Heparinized whole blood,



TEST DETAILS
CPT code(s):  87471
Note: The billing party has sole responsibility for CPT coding.  Any questions regarding coding should be directed to the payer being billed.
The CPT codes provided by GML are based on AMA guidelines and are for informational purposes only.

Test includes: 

Bartonella henselae, Bartonella quintana


Methodology: 
Real-time Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR)
Synonyms: 

Rochalimea DNA PCR, Quest test code 11108, BARDNA


Clinical significance: 

Bartonella DNA PCR is a highly specific and sensitive method to detect the presence of Bartonella species DNA in clinical specimens. This assay can differentiate between Bartonella henselae and Bartonella quintana. The diagnosis of Bartonella infection should not rely solely on the result of a PCR assay. A negative PCR result indicates only the absence of Bartonella species DNA in the sample tested and does not exclude the diagnosis of the disease. Patients with a positive PCR result should be evaluated with other tests to further establish the diagnosis of the disease. A positive result should be considered in conjunction with clinical presentation and additional established clinical tests.


Review Date:  12/16/2024

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