Babesia Antibody Screening by Immunoassay (Serum/Plasma)
This test detects antibodies in your blood that may indicate past or current infection with *Babesia*, a parasite found in ticks similar to Lyme disease. It helps doctors assess exposure risk or diagnose related conditions.
["This screening helps identify potential exposure to *Babesia* infection, guiding further testing if needed."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 43926-5
- Short code
- BABAB
- Synonyms
- Babesia Ab Ser Ql
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Serum separator tube (SST) or red-top tube without anticoagulant
- Units
- N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Method
- Immunofluorescence Assay (IFA) or Enzyme Immunoassay (EIA)
- CPT
- 86753
- SNOMED
- 121951006
- Specimen volume
- 1-2 mL of serum
- Stability
- Refrigerated (2-8°C): 7 days; Frozen (-20°C or colder): 30 days. Avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles.
- Hemolysis max
- 100
- Lipemia max
- 100
- Icterus max
- 50
- TAT
- 48–168 hours
- Order
- routine
What This Test Measures
The test uses an immunoassay method to detect antibodies produced by your immune system in response to *Babesia* exposure. Antibodies are proteins your body makes to fight infections, but they can linger even after the infection has cleared. This test checks for these antibodies in your serum or plasma.
How the Test Works
Your blood sample is tested to identify specific antibodies linked to *Babesia*. If antibodies are present, it suggests your immune system has encountered the parasite. However, a positive result doesn’t always mean you’re currently infected—it may indicate past exposure.
Why It’s Done
Doctors may order this test if you’ve had tick bites, live in or traveled to areas with *Babesia* risk, or have symptoms like fatigue, fever, or anemia that could be linked to tick-borne infections.
What to Expect
You’ll provide a blood sample (usually from your arm) in a lab. The test is quick and painless, with results available within a few days. A positive result may prompt additional diagnostic tests, such as PCR or microscopic examination of blood smears.
Reference range
Negative: No Babesia species antibodies detected. Positive: Babesia species antibodies detected, suggestive of current or past infection. Titers ≥1:64 typically considered significant and may indicate acute or recent infection.N/A
No fasting required. Avoid collection during acute hemolytic crisis when possible, as antibody levels may be below detectable threshold early in infection.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
◆Associated findings1
Short name
Babesia Antibody Screen (Serum/Plasma)
Frequently asked questions
Why might this test be important for my health?
What does a positive result mean?
Can I get this test at home?
Sources
- 1
- 2Lab Tests OnlineSource
- 3
Click any link to access the full source. PubMed Central (PMC) links provide free full-text access.
This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 15, 2026. · Read our editorial policy