Specimen Collection Manual and Test Catalog

1 mL aliquot of serum; minimum 0.2 mL.

Plain red-top (nonserum separator) tube preferred. Serum separator tube (SST) also acceptable.

Allow blood to clot at room temperature. Aseptically transfer serum to sterile, plastic, screw-capped vial(s). Transport refrigerated (cold packs) or frozen on dry ice. Avoid freeze/thaw cycles.

Refrigerated or frozen.

Room Temperature: 7 days. Refrigerated: 14 days. Frozen: 30 days (-20°C).

Stability limits exceeded.

< 1:64 - E. chaffeensis IgG Ab
< 1:20 - E. chaffeensis IgM Ab
 

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 E. chaffeensis, which can be detected by an immunofluorescent antibody (IFA) test. Single IgG IFA titers of 1:64 or greater indicate exposure to E. chaffeensis. Specimens demonstrating a fourfold rise in IgG titers between acute and convalescent samples and/or the presence of IgM antibody against E. chaffeensis suggest recent or current infection

Ehrlichia chaffeensis antibodies (IgG,IgM)

EHRLP, Ehrlichia chaffeensis AB, Quest test code 34271