Ehrlichia chaffeensis DNA, Real-Time PCR
Test Code
Clinical Significance
Ehrlichia chaffeensis DNA, Real-Time PCR - Ehrlichia chaffeensis DNA PCR is a highly sensitive method to detect the presence of ehrlichia chaffeensis DNA in clinical specimens.
The diagnosis of ehrlichia chaffeensis infection should not rely solely upon the result of PCR assay. A positive result should be considered in conjunction with clinical presentation and additional established clinical tests. Moreover, this assay cannot differentiate between viable and nonviable organisms. A negative PCR result indicates the absence of ehrlichia chaffeensis DNA at detectable levels in the sample tested and does not exclude the diagnosis of disease.
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Methodology
Reference Range(s)
Alternative Name(s)
Preferred Specimen(s)
0.7 mL whole blood collected in an EDTA (lavender-top) or ACD (yellow-top) tube or
1 tick (in 70% ethanol) submitted in a sterile leak-proof container
Alternative Specimen(s)
1 mL CSF submitted in a sterile leak-proof container
Minimum Volume
0.3 mL
Transport Temperature
Refrigerated (cold packs)
Specimen Stability
- Whole blood
Room temperature: 48 hours
Refrigerated: 7 days
Frozen: 30 days
Tick and CSF
Room temperature: 48 hours
Refrigerated: 7 days
Frozen: 30 days
Reject Criteria
Hemolysis • Lithium heparin (green-top) tube • Sodium heparin (green-top) tube
Setup Schedule
1 tick (in 70% ethanol) submitted in a sterile leak-proof container
Room temperature: 48 hours
Refrigerated: 7 days
Frozen: 30 days
Tick and CSF
Room temperature: 48 hours
Refrigerated: 7 days
Frozen: 30 days