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Babesia microti DNA Real-Time PCR
Quest Diagnostics1 test optionFrom $393.75
Babesia microti DNA Real-Time PCR
Quest DiagnosticsCatalog information reviewed: August 24, 2026 by the Sunridge Medical clinical team.
What this laboratory test evaluates
Babesia microti DNA Real-Time PCRThis test detects the DNA of Babesia microti, a parasite that infects red blood cells and causes Babesiosis, in whole blood or ticks. Babesiosis is mainly spread through the bite of an infected tick, but can also be transmitted via contaminated blood products, organ transplants, or from mother to baby during pregnancy or delivery.
Why is this test important?Diagnosing Babesiosis early is challenging due to general symptoms like fever, chills, and headache. This test is crucial for identifying the disease, especially in those who are elderly or have weakened immune systems. It helps ensure the safety of blood products by detecting Babesia microti DNA quickly and accurately, without confusion from similar pathogens.
Who should consider this test?If you've been bitten by a tick, received a blood transfusion, or are experiencing symptoms such as fever, chills, headache, muscle pain, or loss of appetite, this test may be recommended.
What type of sample is required?0.7 mL of whole blood in an EDTA (lavender-top) tube or 1 tick (preserved in 70% ethanol) in a sterile, leak-proof container.
Test Resources
http://education.questdiagnostics.com/faq/FAQ224
Additional test information
Diagnosing Babesiosis early is challenging due to general symptoms like fever, chills, and headache. This test is crucial for identifying the disease, especially in those who are elderly or have weakened immune systems. It helps ensure the safety of blood products by detecting Babesia microti DNA quickly and accurately, without confusion from similar pathogens.
Collection and processing
- Sample type: Whole blood
- Fasting: No
- Estimated laboratory processing: Results should be available in 2 – 5 business days after the sample is collected
How Sunridge uses laboratory information
Sunridge considers the medical question, symptoms, history, medications, prior results, and whether the finding could change care before recommending testing. A laboratory result is not interpreted in isolation and does not establish a diagnosis by itself.
Before requesting this test
Availability, collection requirements, eligibility, and processing estimates can change. Sunridge reviews each request and, when appropriate, creates the order through Fullscript. Follow the current instructions supplied with the approved order.
Related Sunridge care
Learn how Sunridge approaches Lyme Disease and ask whether this test is appropriate for your clinical question.
Common questions about this laboratory test
- What sample does this test require?
- The listed sample type is Whole blood. Confirm current collection instructions in the approved order.
- Does this test require fasting?
- The current catalog record lists fasting as: No. Follow the instructions supplied with the approved order.
- How long does laboratory processing usually take?
- Results should be available in 2 – 5 business days after the sample is collected. Timing can change after collection or if a laboratory requires additional review.
About this test
Babesia microti DNA Real-Time PCRThis test detects the DNA of Babesia microti, a parasite that infects red blood cells and causes Babesiosis, in whole blood or ticks. Babesiosis is mainly spread through the bite of an infected tick, but can also be transmitted via contaminated blood products, organ transplants, or from mother to baby during pregnancy or delivery.
Why is this test important?Diagnosing Babesiosis early is challenging due to general symptoms like fever, chills, and headache. This test is crucial for identifying the disease, especially in those who are elderly or have weakened immune systems. It helps ensure the safety of blood products by detecting Babesia microti DNA quickly and accurately, without confusion from similar pathogens.
Who should consider this test?If you've been bitten by a tick, received a blood transfusion, or are experiencing symptoms such as fever, chills, headache, muscle pain, or loss of appetite, this test may be recommended.
What type of sample is required?0.7 mL of whole blood in an EDTA (lavender-top) tube or 1 tick (preserved in 70% ethanol) in a sterile, leak-proof container.
Test Resources
http://education.questdiagnostics.com/faq/FAQ224
Additional details
Diagnosing Babesiosis early is challenging due to general symptoms like fever, chills, and headache. This test is crucial for identifying the disease, especially in those who are elderly or have weakened immune systems. It helps ensure the safety of blood products by detecting Babesia microti DNA quickly and accurately, without confusion from similar pathogens.
Highlighted health areas
- Infectious Disease
- Lyme & tick-borne disease
Biomarkers and report focus
The exact analytes and report format can change. Confirm the current contents in the Fullscript order before payment.
- Babesia microti DNA Real-Time PCR