Babesia

Alternative Names/Synonyms	Detection of Babesia infection (Babesiosis) or antibodies
Laboratory	Microbiology
Sub-section	Serology
Specimen Type	○ Whole blood (serology) ○ Serum (serology) ○ EDTA-whole blood (microscopy and PCR) ○ Unstained thick and thin blood slides (microscopy only)

Other Information

○ Microscopy and PCR are the preferred methods to diagnose infection. Submit unstained slides AND EDTA blood
○ Indicate travel history, exposure to ticks and clinical symptoms on the requisition.
○ For serology, an acute and a convalescent may be required for laboratory diagnosis.

Specimen Requirements (Tube Type)

○ Whole blood/serum: serum separator tube (clotted blood) (5mL)
○ EDTA-whole blood: EDTA blood tube (2mL)
○ Slide mailer for thick and thin blood smear slides

Collection Requirements

○ Decontaminate skin with 70% alcohol followed by iodine or chlorhexidine, collect at least 5 mL of blood.

Sample Stability

Refer to section Sample Processing / Delivery

Referral Laboratory

PHOL

Routine Turnaround Time

○ Microscopy: Up to 2 days
○ PCR: Up to 21 days upon receipt by NML
○ Serology: up to 42 days upon receipt by PHOL

Laboratory Contact Information

416-586-4800 extension 4432

Approval Required

Sample Processing / Delivery

○ Label specimen container. Place specimens in biohazard bag and seal.

○ Specimens should be stored at room temperature (20-25˚C) after collection and transported to the UHN/SH Microbiology Laboratory ASAP after collection.

○ The specimen will be referred to the Public Health Ontario Laboratory for testing. PHOL will refer Babesia PCR to the NML in Winnipeg. PHOL will refer Babesia serology to NRCP.