IGeneX babesia FISH test

Hi Chrissie, 

Here in Minnesota, we do not ever count those as legitimate lab evidence for case definition purposes.  From what I understand of the test, it's not really a PCR or a serologic test, so it doesn't need to count for anything.  If it helps, we think of it as being in the same category as the infamous Lyme culture test. :)  I'm happy to discuss further if you'd like, though! 

Elizabeth (Minnesota)

FISH test = "Florescent In Situ Hybridization Test" - a typical IgeneX home-brew test. The test ostensibly takes a blood smear from an "infected" patient, specific antibodies to the "babesia" parasite are laid over it and then a florescent tag to those antibodies attached...or something like that. It is supposed to be a "more sensitive" approach than stained blood smear analysis. Anyway, I have seen photomicrographs of "results" shared with me by some of the patients who claim they have positive test results. Pretty pictures. White blood cells and platelets are beautifully outlined---absolutely nothing looks like a babesia parasite (nor are they in red blood cells). I have been around and around with them regarding standards for other tests they have run and some of those tests have been removed from their panoply of creative approaches to finding those positives. I think I might see if I can't inquire about what exactly how they are standardizing this test--I haven't had the energy for this one but I've seen more and more FISH results so maybe it is time. Bottom line: it is not an approved test certainly for surveillance purposes and I've not seen any published approach to standardize the test.