All Infectious Disease Tests

Absolute Lymphocyte Count includes: WBC, Absolute Lymphocytes, % Lymphocytes, % Reactive Lymphocytes

Clinical Significance

Increased understanding of immunodeficiency syndrome and AIDS have identified the importance of absolute lymphocyte count in addition to the specific cell type such as CD4 lymphocytes. In pediatric ages up to 14 years old, acute infectious lymphocytosis is a clinical disorder, suspected to be of enterovirus-Coxsackie A subgroup that may have upper respiratory symptoms, fever, diarrhea and abdominal pain or a totally asymptomatic clinical course. Other conditions with absolute lymphocytosis are B. pertussis infection and lymphocytic leukemoid reaction. The most commonly known lymphocytosis with atypical morphology is due to cytomegalovirus and infectious mononucleosis. The malignant forms of absolute lymphocytosis are mostly due to lymphoproliferative disorders.

Adenovirus causes respiratory tract infections, conjunctivitis, and diarrhea. Infections are most common in individuals who are immunocompromised and in young children. Adenovirus Antigen Detection is useful to confirm the diagnosis of adenovirus infection in patients with gastroenteritis.

This test is used to determine the presence of adenovirus in a patient's specimen. Organisms may be detected by PCR prior to diagnosis by immunological methods. PCR provides more rapid results than other methods, including culture.

Description: The Alpha-1-Antitrypsin Quantitative test measures levels of the alpha-1-antitrypsin protein in the blood.

Also Known As: Alpha1-antitrypsin Test, A1AT Test, AAT Test, Alpha 1 Antitrypsin Serum Test

Collection Method: Blood Draw

Specimen Type: Serum

Test Preparation: No preparation required

When is an Alpha-1-Antitrypsin test ordered?

When Alpha-1 antitrypsin tests may be prescribed:

• Jaundice that lasts more than a week or two in a baby, an enlarged spleen, fluid buildup in the belly, persistent itching, and other symptoms of liver damage are present.
• A person with COPD, elevated, sensitive skin lesions that develop into ulcers, granulomatosis with polyangiitis, or unexplained airway widening may be of any age.
• Wheezing, a persistent cough, bronchitis, shortness of breath after exercise, and/or other emphysema symptoms often appear in people under the age of 40. This is particularly true when the person is not a smoker, has not been exposed to known lung irritants, and when the lung damage appears to be low in the lungs.
• Someone has an alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency that runs in their family.
• A person wants to know how likely it is that their child would experience the same problems as their impacted family member.

The American Thoracic Society advised AAT testing in their 2003 guidelines when people were diagnosed with diseases like:

• Young age for onset of emphysema and/or absence of clear risk factors for the condition, such as smoking
• Bronchiectasis
• difficult-to-treat asthma Unknown origin of liver disease
• Panniculitis with necrosis

The Alpha-1 Foundation suggests AAT testing for all people with:

• COPD
• illness of the liver with no known cause
• Panniculitis with necrosis
• Polyangiitis and granulomatosis
• mysterious bronchiectasis

The Alpha-1 Foundation also advises providing genetic counseling and AAT testing to people who have immediate or extended family members who have an aberrant AAT gene.

What does an Alpha-1-Antitrypsin blood test check for?

A blood protein called alpha-1 antitrypsin shields the lungs from harm from enzymes that have been activated. To help with the diagnosis of alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency, laboratory tests detect the amount of AAT in blood or find aberrant forms of AAT that a person has inherited.

The most significant enzyme that AAT aids in inactivating is elastase. Elastase is a white blood cell termed a neutrophil that is created as part of the body's normal response to inflammation and injury. Elastase disassembles proteins so that the body can eliminate and recycle them. Elastase will also start to degrade and harm lung tissue if its activity is not controlled by AAT.

The gene that codes for AAT is inherited twice every person. The protease inhibitor gene is what it is known as. Because of the co-dominance of this gene, the body produces half of its AAT from each copy of the SERPINA1 gene. Less AAT and/or AAT with diminished function are produced if there is a change or mutation in one or both of the gene copies.

Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency is a condition that affects a person whose AAT production falls below 30% of normal. Emphysema, a progressive lung illness, is a serious danger for people with this disorder to experience in their early adult years. The lung damage likely to happen sooner and be more severe if they smoke or are exposed to occupational dust or fumes.

AAT that is dysfunctional of a particular sort builds up in the cells of the liver, where it is created. As AAT accumulates in these cells, it starts to produce aberrant protein chains, which then start to kill the cells and harm the liver. AAT-deficient neonates are jaundiced and suffer liver damage in about 10% of cases. These infants may need a liver transplant to survive in serious circumstances. The most frequent genetic cause of liver disease in children is presently AAT deficiency.

Adults with an AAT deficiency are more likely to develop liver cancer, cirrhosis, and chronic liver disease. Adults with AAT insufficiency rarely experience symptoms or indicators of liver damage, nevertheless. The hereditary gene mutation determines the amount and function of the AAT. The SERPINA1 gene contains more than 120 distinct alleles, however only a few of them are widespread. 90% of Americans have two copies of the typical, "wild type," M gene. S and Z are the aberrant genes that are most frequently found.

Lab tests often ordered with an Alpha-1-Antitrypsin test:

• Protein Electrophoresis
• Total Protein
• Hepatic Function Panel
• Blood Gases

Conditions where an Alpha-1-Antitrypsin test is recommended:

• Lung Disease
• Liver Disease
• Asthma

How does my health care provider use an Alpha-1-Antitrypsin test?

When a patient has early onset emphysema or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease but no clear risk factors, such as smoking or exposure to lung irritants like dust or fumes, alpha-1 antitrypsin testing is utilized to help diagnose alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency as the cause. It may also be applied to asthmatics who continue to have breathing difficulties despite receiving treatment.

Other symptoms of unexplained liver injury, such as prolonged jaundice, are also diagnosed with the use of testing. This can be done on anyone of any age, but is typically done on infants and young children.

A person with a family history of alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency may also undergo testing to identify whether they have one or two copies of the SERPINA1 gene.

There are typically three different AAT exam kinds. One or more of these could be applied to assess a person:

• The protein alpha-1 antitrypsin in blood is measured by alpha-1 antitrypsin.
• Testing for the phenotype of alpha-1 antitrypsin assesses the quantity and kind of AAT being produced and contrasts it with typical patterns.
• To determine if the typical wild type M allele or variant alleles are present in the SERPINA1 gene, alpha-1 antitrypsin genotyping testing can be utilized. This test won't find every variant, but it will find the most prevalent ones as well as those that might be frequent in a specific region or family. Other family members may be examined to determine their own risk of acquiring emphysema and/or liver dysfunction as well as the possibility that their children may inherit the condition after the sick person's SERPINA1 gene alleles have been determined.

Although gene sequencing for AAT is uncommon, it might be required to find uncommon alleles and make a precise diagnosis.

What do my Alpha-1-Antitrypsin test results mean?

Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency may be present in a person whose blood has a low amount of AAT, according to the test results. The risk of developing emphysema and other conditions linked to AAT insufficiency increases with decreasing AAT levels.

We advise having your results reviewed by a licensed medical healthcare professional for proper interpretation of your results.

Description: The Antistreptolysin O Antibody test is a sensitive blood test used to detect recent streptococcal infection.

Also Known As: ASLO Test, ASO Test, ASO Antibody Test, Strep A Test, Streptococcus Group A Test

Collection Method: Blood Draw

Specimen Type: Serum

Test Preparation: No preparation required

When is an Anti-Streptolysin O Antibody test ordered?

When a patient exhibits symptoms that a medical professional believes could be related to a condition brought on by a prior strep infection, the ASO test is requested. When symptoms start to show, which typically happens a few weeks after a sore throat or skin infection when the bacteria are no longer in the throat or on the skin, the treatment is recommended.

For acute and convalescent ASO titers, the test may be carried out twice, with samples being taken roughly two weeks apart. This is carried out to ascertain whether the antibody level is increasing, decreasing, or staying the same.

What does an Anti-Streptolysin O Antibody blood test check for?

The hazardous enzyme streptolysin O, which is generated by group A Streptococcus bacteria, is the target of the antibody known as antistreptolysin O. The most prevalent antibodies generated by the body's immune system in connection to a strep infection with group A Streptococcus are ASO and anti-DNase B. The level of ASO in the blood is determined by this test.

A Group The bacterium that causes strep throat and a number of other illnesses, including skin infections, is streptococcus. Antibiotics are usually used to diagnose and treat strep infections, and the illnesses usually go away.

However, complications, such as rheumatic fever and a specific form of kidney disease, can occasionally arise from strep infections, particularly in young children, when they do not produce any distinguishable symptoms, are ignored, or are ignored but ineffectively treated. Due to frequent strep testing, these secondary diseases are now far less common in the United States, but they still do happen. Serious complications from these disorders include heart damage, acute renal dysfunction, tissue edema, and high blood pressure. If they are brought on by a recent group A strep infection, the ASO test can be used to assist identify the cause.

Lab tests often ordered with an Anti-Streptolysin O Antibody test:

• Anti-DNase B
• Strep Throat Test

Conditions where an Anti-Streptolysin O Antibody test is recommended

• Streptococcus
• Kidney Disease

How does my health care provider use an Anti-Streptolysin O Antibody test?

The main purpose of the ASO test is to identify recent group A streptococcal strep infections.

Antibiotics are typically used to diagnose and treat strep infections, and the illnesses usually go away. However, in certain persons, particularly in young children, complications, such as rheumatic fever and glomerulonephritis, might arise when they do not result in observable symptoms and/or go untreated. Therefore, if a patient has a recent history of sore throat or a confirmed streptococcal infection and symptoms suggestive of rheumatic fever or glomerulonephritis.

What do my Anti-Streptolysin O Antibody test results mean?

About a week to a month after the initial strep infection, ASO antibodies start to develop. After reaching a high 3 to 5 weeks after the sickness, the level of ASO antibody gradually decreases, but it may still be detected months after the strep infection has cleared up.

It is highly likely that the person tested did not recently contract strep throat if the ASO is negative or present at extremely low titers. This is particularly true if a sample collected 10 to 14 days later is negative as well as if a negative anti-DNase B test results. There is a slight chance that someone with a strep infection complication won't have an increased ASO. This is particularly valid in the case of glomerulonephritis, which can arise following a cutaneous strep infection.

It is likely that the person who was tested has recently had strep infection if they have a high antibody titer or an increasing ASO titer. ASO titers that are initially high and then start to drop indicate that an infection has started and might be on the verge of going away.

The ASO test does not foretell the type or severity of the disease, nor does it foretell if there would be problems after a strep infection. An increased ASO level may be utilized to support the diagnosis of glomerulonephritis or rheumatic fever in cases where symptoms are already present.

We advise having your results reviewed by a licensed medical healthcare professional for proper interpretation of your results.

Rapidly growing mycobacteria and Nocardia/aerobic Actinomycetes can cause a variety of serious infections, particularly in immunocompromised patients. Resistance, toxicity, intolerance, and therapeutic failures may occur with traditional empiric treatment with drugs of choice. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing, especially with newer agents, may help to guide appropriate therapeutic choices.

This test is used to determine the presence of Avian Influenza RNA in a patient's specimen. PCR provides more rapid results than culture. Furthermore, this test will specifically detect the H5 virus strain.

Clinical Significance

Babesia duncani, also known as WA1, causes symptoms similar to those seen in cases of babesiosis caused by Babesia microti. Most of the documented cases have occurred in the Pacific Northwest.

Babesiosis is a blood infection caused by the parasite, Babesia. In the U.S., it is primarily spread to people by bites from infected blacklegged ticks, also called deer ticks (Ixodes scapularis). 

Babesia serological testing is used to diagnose infection by the Babesia tick-borne protozoan. Infection may cause hemolytic anemia.

Bartonella Species Antibodies (IgG, IgM) with Reflex to Titer. Includes Bartonella henselae IgG, IgM; Bartonella quintana IgG, IgM.

Additional charges my apply if one or more of the following reflex tests are run by the lab. If B. henselae (IgG) screen is positive, the B. henselae (IgG) titer will be performed at an additional charge (CPT code(s): 86611).
If B. quintana (IgG) screen is positive, the B. quintana (IgG) titer will be performed at an additional charge (CPT code(s): 86611).
If B. henselae (IgM) screen is positive, the B. henselae (IgM) titer will be performed at an additional charge (CPT code(s): 86611).
If B. quintana (IgM) screen is positive, the B. quintana (IgM) titer will be performed at an additional charge (CPT code(s): 86611).

 

Bordetella pertussis toxin (PT) Antibody (IgG), Immunoassay

Clinical Significance

Antibody levels above the reference range are highly suggestive of recent infection or vaccination.

Reference Range(s)

Bordetella pertussis toxin(PT) Ab (IgG), IA

• ≤10 Years<66 IU/mL
• 11-59 Years<43 IU/mL
• ≥60 Years<32 IU/mL

Alternative Name(s)

Whooping Cough

Detection of antibodies to Brucella sp. Usually indicates recent or past exposure to the organism.

C3a desArg is a cleavage product of C3 complement component activation. Elevated levels of C3a have been reported in patients with acute lyme disease, acute pancreatitis, systemic lupus erythematosus, and adult respiratory distress syndrome.

Description: The chlamydia test is used to determine if a person has been infected with the sexually transmitted infection. It can be used to diagnose a person with chlamydia for treatment.

Also Known As: Chlamydia Trachomatis Test, Chlamydia STD Test

Collection Method: Urine Collection

Specimen Type: Urine

Test Preparation: The patient should not have urinated for at least one hour prior to specimen collection. Female patients should not cleanse the labial area prior to providing the specimen.

When is a Chlamydia test ordered?

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, all sexually active women younger than 25 and sexually active women 25 and older who are at elevated risk should have a yearly chlamydia screening. The American Academy of Pediatrics and the US Preventive Services Task Force both urge routine screening for these women.

The CDC recommends that males who have intercourse with other men get tested for chlamydia at least once a year. For sexually active, heterosexual men with no symptoms, health organizations do not advocate routine screening. When there is a large number of cases of STDs in the community, for example, healthcare providers may prescribe screening to their patients.

When a person’s sexual partner has been diagnosed with chlamydia or when a person has signs and symptoms of the infection, chlamydia testing may be performed.

Women and men who have been treated for chlamydia should be tested again three months afterwards.

What does a Chlamydia Urine test check for?

Chlamydia is one of the most common bacterial sexually transmitted infections in the United States, and if left untreated, it can lead to serious consequences. Chlamydia testing determines whether the bacteria Chlamydia trachomatis is to blame for an infection. In order to avoid long-term consequences and the spread of the infection to others, it’s critical to screen for, diagnose, and treat chlamydia.

Chlamydia infections are most common among people aged 15 to 24. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2.86 million Americans contract chlamydia each year, and women are commonly re-infected if their partners do not seek treatment. Because many people don’t have any symptoms and don’t get tested and identified, the true number of cases may be larger. Despite this, each year over one million new cases are reported.

Sexual contact with an infected partner is the most common way for chlamydia to spread. Multiple sex partners, coinfection or previous infection with another STD, and not wearing a condom appropriately and consistently are also risk factors.

Many people with chlamydia infections have no symptoms, while others may only have minor ones. Because the signs and symptoms of chlamydia are similar to those of another STD, gonorrhea, and can be misinterpreted, testing for both diseases are frequently performed at the same time.

Antibiotics are commonly used to treat chlamydia. It can cause serious reproductive and other health problems if not recognized and addressed.

In women, untreated chlamydia infections that originate on the cervix but progress to the fallopian tubes and ovaries can cause pelvic inflammatory disease.

Men who are not treated may become infertile in rare cases.

Lab tests often ordered with a Chlamydia test:

• Gonorrhea
• HIV Antibody
• HIV Antigen
• Syphilis
• Herpes 1 and 2

Conditions where a Chlamydia test is recommended:

• Chlamydia
• Gonorrhea
• HIV
• Herpes 1 and 2
• Syphilis
• Sexually Transmitted Diseases
• Pelvic Inflammatory Disease
• Infertility
• Vaginitis
• Vaginosis

How does my health care provider use a Chlamydia test?

Chlamydia testing is used to detect, diagnose, and confirm that infections caused by the bacteria Chlamydia trachomatis have been successfully treated. Chlamydia is one of the most common bacterial sexually transmitted diseases in the United States, and if left untreated, it can lead to serious consequences. To avoid long-term consequences and the spread of the infection to others, it's critical to screen for, diagnose, and treat chlamydia.

Because the illnesses produced by these two bacteria might have similar signs and symptoms, testing for Chlamydia trachomatis and Neisseria gonorrhoeae is frequently done at the same time. Both of these bacteria can be acquired at the same time, and a person can get infected with both. Because the two infections require distinct antibiotic treatments, a clear diagnosis is critical. Testing should be done again to determine that the treatment was effective. After a person has completed therapy, this is done roughly three months later.

What do my Chlamydia test results mean?

A positive result indicates that you have an active chlamydia infection that requires antibiotic therapy.

A negative result simply means that no infection was present at the time of the test. It is critical for those who are at a higher risk of infection to have annual screening tests to check for infection, especially since re-infection is common, especially among teenagers.

If you're infected, your sexual partner(s) should get tested and treated as well.

Description: The chlamydia and gonorrhea test is used to determine if a person has been infected with either of the sexually transmitted infections. It can be used to diagnose a person with chlamydia or gonorrhea for treatment.

Also Known As: Chlamydia Trachomatis Test, Chlamydia STD Test, GC Test, Neisseria Gonorrhoeae test, Gonorrhoeae test, gonorrhea and chlamydia test

Collection Method: Urine Collection

Specimen Type: Urine

Test Preparation: Urine specimens: The patient should not have urinated for at least one hour prior to specimen collection. Female patients should not cleanse the labial area prior to providing the specimen.

When is a Chlamydia and Gonorrhea test ordered?

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, all sexually active women younger than 25 and sexually active women 25 and older who are at elevated risk should have a yearly chlamydia and gonorrhea screening. The American Academy of Pediatrics and the US Preventive Services Task Force both urge routine screening for these women.

The CDC recommends that males who have intercourse with other men get tested for gonorrhea and chlamydia at least once a year. For sexually active, heterosexual men with no symptoms, health organizations do not advocate routine screening. When there is a large number of cases of STDs in the community, for example, healthcare providers may prescribe screening to their patients.

When a person’s sexual partner has been diagnosed with gonorrhea or chlamydia or when a person has signs and symptoms of the infection, chlamydia testing may be performed.

Women and men who have been treated for chlamydia should be tested again three months afterwards.

What does a Chlamydia and Gonorrhea urine test check for?

Chlamydia is one of the most common bacterial sexually transmitted infections in the United States, and if left untreated, it can lead to serious consequences. Chlamydia testing determines whether the bacteria Chlamydia trachomatis is to blame for an infection. In order to avoid long-term consequences and the spread of the infection to others, it’s critical to screen for, diagnose, and treat chlamydia.

Chlamydia infections are most common among people aged 15 to 24. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2.86 million Americans contract chlamydia each year, and women are commonly re-infected if their partners do not seek treatment. Because many people don’t have any symptoms and don’t get tested and identified, the true number of cases may be larger. Despite this, each year over one million new cases are reported.

Sexual contact with an infected partner is the most common way for chlamydia to spread. Multiple sex partners, coinfection or previous infection with another STD, and not wearing a condom appropriately and consistently are also risk factors.

Many people with chlamydia infections have no symptoms, while others may only have minor ones. Because the signs and symptoms of chlamydia are similar to those of another STD, gonorrhea, and can be misinterpreted, testing for both diseases are frequently performed at the same time.

Antibiotics are commonly used to treat chlamydia. It can cause serious reproductive and other health problems if not recognized and addressed.

In women, untreated chlamydia infections that originate on the cervix but progress to the fallopian tubes and ovaries can cause pelvic inflammatory disease.

Men who are not treated may become infertile in rare cases.

If not diagnosed and treated, gonorrhea is a common bacterial sexually transmitted illness that can lead to serious consequences. Gonorrhea testing determines whether a person's infection is caused by the bacteria Neisseria gonorrhoeae. The importance of gonorrhea screening, diagnosis, and treatment in reducing long-term consequences and the spread of the infection to others cannot be overstated.

More than 820,000 people in the United States contract new gonorrheal infections each year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, but only about half of these infections are reported to the CDC. In the United States, sexually active teenagers, young adults, and African Americans have the highest reported rates of infection.

Sexual contact with an infected partner is the most common way for gonorrhea to spread. Multiple sex partners, coinfection or previous infection with another STD, and not wearing a condom appropriately and consistently are also risk factors.

While some males with gonorrhea will experience symptoms, the majority of women will not or will confuse gonorrhea symptoms with those of a bladder or other vaginal illness. Symptoms in men usually emerge 2 to 5 days after infection, but they can take up to 30 days. Symptoms usually appear within 10 days of infection for women. Because the signs and symptoms of gonorrhea are similar to those of another STD, chlamydia, and can be misinterpreted, testing for both diseases are sometimes performed at the same time.

Antibiotics are generally prescribed to treat gonorrhea. Gonorrhea can have catastrophic consequences if it is not recognized and treated.

Untreated gonorrhea infections in women can cause pelvic inflammatory disease, which can develop days to months after infection and cause consequences.

Untreated gonorrhea can spread to the blood or joints, leading to disseminated gonococcal infection, a dangerous illness. Fever, numerous skin lesions, severe joint swelling, inflammation of the membrane surrounding the brain and spinal cord, and infection of the inner lining of the heart are all signs of DGI. In infants born to infected moms, DGI symptoms include arthritis, meningitis, and sepsis, a serious, life-threatening illness.

Antibiotics identical to those used to treat simple gonorrhea might be used to successfully treat DGI. Treatment-resistant gonorrhea, on the other hand, is becoming more common. To treat all uncomplicated gonococcal infections in adults and adolescents in the United States, CDC guidelines presently recommend dual therapy with ceftriaxone and azithromycin. If a patient's symptoms do not improve following therapy, a healthcare provider may need to do additional tests, including susceptibility testing.

Lab tests often ordered with a Chlamydia and Gonorrhea test:

• HIV Antibody
• HIV Antigen
• Syphilis
• Herpes 1 and 2

Conditions where a Chlamydia and Gonorrhea test is recommended:

• Gonorrhea
• HIV
• Herpes 1 and 2
• Syphilis
• Sexually Transmitted Diseases
• Pelvic Inflammatory Disease
• Infertility
• Vaginitis
• Vaginosis

How does my health care provider use a Chlamydia and Gonorrhea test?

Chlamydia and gonorrhea testing is used to detect, diagnose, and confirm that infections caused by the bacteria Chlamydia trachomatis have been successfully treated. Chlamydia and gonorrhea are two of the most common bacterial sexually transmitted diseases in the United States, and if left untreated, it can lead to serious consequences. To avoid long-term consequences and the spread of the infections to others, it's critical to screen for, diagnose, and treat chlamydia.

Because the illnesses produced by these two bacteria might have similar signs and symptoms, testing for Chlamydia trachomatis and Neisseria gonorrhoeae is frequently done at the same time. Both of these bacteria can be acquired at the same time, and a person can get infected with both. Because the two infections require distinct antibiotic treatments, a clear diagnosis is critical. Testing should be done again to determine that the treatment was effective. After a person has completed therapy, this is done roughly three months later.

What do my chlamydia and gonorrhea test results mean?

A positive result indicates that you have an active infection that requires antibiotic therapy.

A negative result simply means that no infection was present at the time of the test. It is critical for those who are at a higher risk of infection to have annual screening tests to check for infection, especially since re-infection is common, especially among teenagers.

If you're infected, your sexual partner(s) should get tested and treated as well.

We advise having your results reviewed by a licensed medical healthcare professional for proper interpretation of your results.

Chlamydia trachomatis is associated with infections of the mucous membranes of the urogenital system, the upper respiratory tract, and the eye. In industrialized countries, C. trachomatis usually causes sexually transmitted disease. In developing countries, it is the major cause of preventable blindness (trachomatis). Sexually transmitted diseases caused by C. trachomatis include nongonococcal urethritis, cervicitis, salpingitis, epididymitis, proctitis and Lymphogranuloma venereum. Infections are often asymptomatic. Thus, infected individuals may unknowingly transmit chlamydial disease to others. Coinfection with C. trachomatis and Neisseria gonorrhoeae is common, with multiple chlamydial infections of the upper respiratory tract occurring primarily in newborns exposed at parturition through an infected birth canal. Approximately 10-20% of such infants develop pneumonia and 50% develop inclusion conjunctivitis. In adults, eye disease is often transmitted by the hands from genital secretions or from eye secretion of infected babies. Isolation in tissue culture remains the reference method for diagnosis of chlamydial infection, especially when testing individuals under the age of 13 years. The usefulness of serological tests depends on the site of infection, duration of disease, infecting serovars and pre-vious exposure to chlamydial antigens. Because C. trachomatis is ubiquitous, there is a high prevalence of antibodies in sexually active populations. Antibodies may persist even after treatment, making assessment of a single IgG titer difficult. Consequently, serological diag-nosis is seldom used to diagnose active, superficial genital tract infections.

C. difficile is the major cause of antibiotic-associated diarrhea (AAD) and pseudomembranous colitis.

Additional Charge Possible: If the GDH Antigen is detected and the Toxin A and B are not detected or the GDH Antigen is not detected and the Toxin A and B are detected, Clostridium difficile Toxin B, Qualitative, Real-Time PCR will be performed at an additional charge.

After treatment with antibiotics, many patients develop gastrointestinal problems ranging from mild diarrhea to severe pseudomembranous colitis. This organism is an opportunistic anaerobic bacterium that grows in the intestine once the normal flora has been altered by the antibiotic. For diagnosis of toxigenic C. difficile, current practice guidelines from the CDC recommend confirmation by Nucleic Acid Amplification Testing (NAAT) if the glutamate dehydrogenase of C. difficile (GDH) Antigen is positive, and toxin is not detected by Enzyme immunoassay. Additionally, if toxin is detected without the presence of GDH antigen, confirmation by NAAT is also recommended.

TP antibodies represent IgM antibodies to Coccidioides. Their detection indicates recent, active infection