Bartonella Testing

<p>The best test for Bartonella is an amplified version of PCR called ePCR by <a href="http://www.galaxydx.com/" target="_blank">Galaxy Diagnostics</a> (Research Triangle, NC). The company offers both ePCR and serology testing for Bartonella. Standard PCR for Bartonella costs $220 and ePCR costs $480. Testing is species specific; the most common species are including in the testing protocol. The company also offers standard PCR for Anaplasma, Babesia, Ehrlichia, and Rickettsia (most common species) for $220 each (or $590 for a total tick panel).

“Even the most sensitive DNA detection methods can produce false negatives due to extremely low levels of DNA in a given sample. We overcome this testing limitation by enriching samples for one week in a patented enrichment media called BAPGM (Bartonella Alpha Proteobacteria Growth Medium), which increases the bacterial load in patient samples up to detectable levels for PCR testing.” According to the Galaxy Diagnostics website, they “sequence verify all positive PCR results to identify the species of infection, ensuring the highest level of specificity achievable. Sequence identification is an important step for Bartonella detection, as virulence and treatment resistance may vary across species.”</p>