Bbigeminaabserqlif
This test detects antibodies against Babesia bigemina parasites in blood using immunofluorescence to diagnose babesiosis, a tick-borne disease.
{"Detects antibodies to Babesia bigemina, a parasite causing babesiosis","Uses immunofluorescence assay (IFA) for high sensitivity","Positive result indicates current or past infection","Spread by infected tick bites, similar to Lyme disease","Symptoms include fever, chills, sweats, and fatigue"}
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 22845-2
- Short code
- BABGMAB
- Synonyms
- B bigemina Ab Ser Ql IF
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Serum separator tube (SST), red-top tube, or gold-top tube
- Units
- N/A
- Ref low
- 80
- Ref high
- 1
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Method
- Immunofluorescence Assay (IFA)
- CPT
- 86317
- SNOMED
- 39517007
- Specimen volume
- 1-2 mL serum (minimum 0.5 mL)
- Stability
- Serum stable for 7 days at 2-8°C; for extended storage, freeze at -20°C or below. Avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles. Hemolyzed, lipemic, or icteric specimens may yield unreliable results.
- Hemolysis max
- 100
- Lipemia max
- 100
- Icterus max
- 50
- TAT
- 24–72 hours
- Order
- routine
What is this test?
The Babesia bigemina Antibody test is a blood test that looks for antibodies (immune proteins) in your blood that your body makes in response to infection with Babesia bigemina, a microscopic parasite that infects red blood cells. The test uses a method called immunofluorescence assay (IFA), which is very good at detecting even small amounts of antibodies.
Why might I need this test?
Your doctor may order this test if you have symptoms of babesiosis, especially if you have been in areas where Babesia parasites are common. Symptoms typically appear 1-4 weeks after a tick bite and may include: fever, chills, sweats, headache, muscle aches, fatigue, nausea, and anemia (low red blood cell count). This test is also used to confirm a diagnosis when other tests are unclear.
What happens during the test?
A healthcare professional will draw a small sample of blood from a vein in your arm. The blood is sent to a lab where technicians will look for antibodies against Babesia bigemina using special fluorescent dyes that make the antibodies visible under a microscope. The test result is reported as 'positive' (antibodies found) or 'negative' (no antibodies found).
Reference range
Negative: No Babesia bigemina antibodies detected. Positive: Antibodies to Babesia bigemina detected at a titer of 1:80 or greater (or as defined by the performing laboratory). Titers of 1:80-1:320 suggest past exposure; titers ≥1:640 suggest recent or active infection. Results should be interpreted in conjunction with clinical findings and epidemiologic exposure history.N/A
No special patient preparation is required. Patients should inform their healthcare provider of any recent travel to endemic areas, history of tick bites, immunosuppressive conditions, or prior transfusion history, as these factors influence test interpretation.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
◆Associated findings1
Frequently asked questions
How is babesiosis treated?
Can I get babesiosis more than once?
How can I prevent babesiosis?
Is babesiosis contagious from person to person?
Sources
- 1CDC - BabesiosisSource
- 2Mayo Clinic - BabesiosisSource
- 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