Blood Parasite Microscopy Only
Test Mnemonic
BABESI
CPT Codes
- 87207 - QTY (1)
- 87015 - QTY (1)
- 85032 - reflex - QTY (1)
LOINC ®
10347-3
Aliases
- Babesia
- babesiosis
Performing Laboratory
Cleveland Clinic Laboratories
Specimen Requirements
| Volume | Type | Container | Collect Temperature | Transport Temperature | Special Instructions |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2 mL | Blood | EDTA (Lavender) | Ambient | Ambient | Must deliver to laboratory immediately. Specimen must be received in the Microbiology lab within 4 hours. Rapid results can be critical to establishing appropriate therapy |
Stability
| Environmental Condition | Description |
|---|---|
| Ambient | 24 hours |
| Frozen | Unacceptable |
| Refrigerated | 24 hours |
Days Performed
7 days a week
Turnaround Time
2 days
Methodology
| Name | Description |
|---|---|
| Giemsa Stain |
Special Info
Indicate travel history on the requisition. Peripheral blood should be drawn prior to the onset of chills, if possible. Rapid results can be critical to establishing appropriate therapy. Order will include a microscopy review (thick and thin smears) and pathologist review of all positive microscopic results. Preliminary results will be reported within 24-48 hours. For positive smears, the percentage of parasitemia is calculated with an additional charge of CPT code 85032. All positive blood smears are reviewed by a medical director with CPT code 87207 applied.
Clinical Info
Test should be ordered to rule out parasitic infection due to Babesia. Limitation: One negative result does not rule out the possibility of parasitic infection.