Ehrlichia chaffeensis (HME) Immunofluorescent Assay (IFA)

Human Monocytic Ehrlichiosis (HME) is a tick-borne infection caused by Ehrlichia chaffeensis. Infections range in severity from asymptomatic to life-threatening, especially in patients who are immunocompromised.

Portal Ordering Code: EC IFA
CPT Code(s): 86666

Fee Schedule

Storage and Transport Criteria: Specimen Storage Specimen Transport

Acceptable Specimens

Minimum Volume

Frozen Range
-70°C - 0°C

Refrigerated Range
0.1°C - 8°C

Room Temperature Range
8.1°C - 30°C

Stability at
4°C - 25°C

Serum 1 mL Acceptable Acceptable Acceptable 8 hours
Includes: Positives titered to end point
Methodology: IFA
Assay Category: FDA Approved
Reference Range: See laboratory report
Alternative Names: Human Monocytic Ehrlichiosis
Preferred Specimen(s): Serum
Alternative Specimen(s): N/A
Minimum Volume: 1 mL
Special Instructions: 1 mL of serum is sufficient volume to perform all tick-borne disease serology assays. Submission of multiple tubes of serum in not necessary.
Reject Criteria: Inadequately labeled specimens

Leaking specimens

QNS (quantities not sufficient)

Specimens not meeting the Storage & Transport criteria upon receipt at laboratory
Setup Schedule: Testing done once a week.
Turn around time (TAT): 7 business days from arrival at the lab

Acceptable Specimens	Minimum Volume	Frozen Range -70°C - 0°C	Refrigerated Range 0.1°C - 8°C	Room Temperature Range 8.1°C - 30°C	Stability at 4°C - 25°C
		Specimen Storage			Specimen Transport
Serum	1 mL	Acceptable	Acceptable	Acceptable	8 hours