Babesia – Microscopy and PCR
Specimen Requirements
| Test Requested | Required Requisition(s) | Specimen Type | Minimum Volume | Collection Kit |
Babesia |
Unstained blood slides4 |
N/A |
Slide mailer for unstained slides |
|
Babesia |
EDTA blood |
1.0 ml |
EDTA blood tube |
|
Babesia PCR |
EDTA blood |
1.0 ml |
EDTA blood tube |
Submission and Collection Notes
Please note on the requisition (under other) if the patient has fever, intravascular hemolysis, hemoglobinuria, renal failure or is immunocompromised.
Indicate Country/Region and if the patient is a new immigrant or refugee or returned traveler under ‘Travel’ section of the requisition. Travel to Babesia-endemic areas (Northeast United States) should be noted.
Indicate exposure to blacklegged tick, Ixodes scapularis or deer tick bites on the requisition or Malaria-like parasitic disease if applicable.
Submit unstained thick and thin slides AND EDTA blood.
Storage and Transport
Label the specimen container with the patient’s full name, date of collection and one other unique identifier such as the patient’s date of birth or Health Card Number. Failure to provide this information may result in rejection or testing delay.
Special Instructions
Place slide mailer in a biohazard bag and seal. Ship to the PHO laboratory as soon as possible.
Test Frequency and Turnaround Time (TAT)
Babesia testing is performed Monday to Friday.
Turnaround time is up to 2 days after receipt by PHO laboratory.
Babesia PCR is a Referred Out Test. Samples are sent to National Medical Lab (NML) in Winnipeg.
Turnaround time is up to 42 days from receipt by PHO laboratory.
Thick and thin slides prepared from EDTA blood samples are stained with Giemsa and examined by microscopy.
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