Human Monocytic Ehrlichiosis (HME) / HME Antibody IgG and IgM / Ehrlichia chaffeensis Antibodies, IgG and IgM
Methodology:
Indirect Fluorescent Antibody (IFA)
Edit Date:
6/11/2010
Performed:
Tuesday, Friday
Released:
1-5 days after setup at PeaceHealth Laboratories’ reference lab.
CPT Code:
86666-90 x2
Specimen Collection Details
Collection:
One 7.5 mL serum separator tube (SST).
Handling:
Allow to clot, centrifuge and immediately separate serum from cells into a plastic vial.
Stability:
48 hours ambient, 14 days refrigerated, or 1 year frozen.
Standard Volume:
1 mL serum.
Minimum Volume:
50 µL serum.
Transport:
Refrigerated.
Comments:
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.
Rejection Criteria:
Severely lipemic, contaminated, or hemolyzed specimen.
Ehrlichia chaffeensis Antibodies, IgG
<1:64
Negative: No significant level of Ehrlichia chaffeensis IgG antibody detected.
1:64-1:128
Borderline: Questionable presence of Ehrlichia chaffeensis IgG antibody detected. Repeat testing in 10-14 days may be helpful.
≥1:256
Positive: Presence of IgG antibody to Ehrlichia chaffeensis IgM antibody detected.
Ehrlichia chaffeensia Antibodies, IgM
<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 recent infection.
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