IgM Antibody to *Babesia* (Serum/Plasma)
This test measures antibodies in your blood that your immune system produces in response to an infection by *Babesia*, a type of parasite found in ticks. It helps diagnose early or recent infection.
["This test helps detect if you’ve been recently infected with *Babesia* by checking for early immune system response."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 110796-0
- Short code
- BABIGM
- Synonyms
- Babesia IgM Msmt Ser
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Serum separator tube (SST) or red-top vacutainer tube
- Units
- N/A
- Ref low
- 16
- Ref high
- 1
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- ≥ 0 years
- Method
- Immunofluorescence Assay (IFA) or Enzyme Immunoassay (EIA)
- CPT
- 86753
- SNOMED
- 122500008
- Specimen volume
- 1-2 mL of serum (minimum 0.5 mL)
- Stability
- Serum stable for 7 days at 2-8°C; for longer storage, freeze at -20°C or below for up to 30 days. Avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles.
- Hemolysis max
- 100
- Lipemia max
- 100
- Icterus max
- 50
- TAT
- 24–72 hours
- Order
- routine
What This Test Measures
The IgM antibody test looks for a specific type of antibody (IgM) that your body makes shortly after exposure to *Babesia*. IgM antibodies typically appear within weeks of infection and can persist for months. This test is often used alongside other tests to confirm a diagnosis, especially in cases where symptoms overlap with other illnesses.
Why It’s Ordered
Your healthcare provider may order this test if you have symptoms like fever, chills, fatigue, or anemia, and suspect you’ve been exposed to ticks or live in an area where *Babesia* infections are common. It’s also used in cases where other blood tests (like those for malaria or anemia) don’t clearly explain your symptoms.
How the Test Works
A small blood sample is taken from your arm and sent to a lab. The lab uses an immunoassay method to detect IgM antibodies against *Babesia* in your serum or plasma. This process identifies whether your immune system has recognized the parasite.
What to Expect Before the Test
No special preparation is needed for this test. You may have a slight bruise or soreness at the injection site, but this usually goes away quickly. If you’re on blood-thinning medication or have a bleeding disorder, let your provider know before the test.
Reference range
Negative: <1:16 titer (IgM antibodies not detected); Equivocal: 1:16-1:32; Positive: ≥1:64. Reference range varies by laboratory and should be interpreted in conjunction with clinical findings, exposure history, and confirmatory testing.N/A
No special patient preparation required. Fasting is not necessary. Patients should inform their healthcare provider about recent tick exposure, travel history to endemic areas (northeastern and midwestern United States), blood transfusion history, or immunocompromised status, as these factors influence result interpretation.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Positive results suggest recent *Babesia* infection, which can cause severe illness, including kidney failure, neurological problems, or chronic fatigue. Early detection and treatment with appropriate antibiotics can improve outcomes. However, false positives may occur, so results are often confirmed with additional tests or clinical correlation. This test is most useful for diagnosing early or acute infection, not chronic disease.
Short name
IgM Antibody to Babesia
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to get results?
Can I have this test if I’m pregnant?
What if my test results are positive?
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