YerseniaPestis

Yersenia Pestis (Plague) 

Laboratory Fee Schedule

Procedure: MCG0282A

CPT: 86793

Synonym(s): Passive Hemagglutination and Inhibition Tests for Detecting Anti-Yersinia pestis F-1 Antigen Antibodies
Requisition Form G-2A.
Test Description Agglutination tests are simple methods used for the visible detection of antigen-antibody complexes.
Pre-Approval Needed N/A
Supplemental Information Required N/A
Supplemental Form(s) N/A
Performed on Specimens from (sources)
  • Human
  • Animal
Sample/Specimen Type for Testing
  • Serum
  • Plasma in lavender EDTA tubes
  • Blood dried on Nobuto strips.
Minimum Volume/Size Required 200 µL or one Nobuto strip.
Storage/Preservation Prior to Shipping

Serum or Plasma

  • Stored between 2°C to 8°C for no longer than 48 hours. 
  • Over 48 hours, must be frozen at -20°C or colder.

Nobuto Strips 

  • Keep at ambient room temperature and dry. 
  • If not used within 3 months, store strips at -20°C. 
Transport Medium N/A
Specimen Labeling
  • Two patient-specific identifiers required (e.g., patient full name, date of birth, medical record number)
  • Identifiers on specimen must exactly match submission form.
Shipping and Specimen Handling Requirements
  • Ship according to Dangerous Goods Regulations, IATA, and/or CFR 49.
  • Handle as infectious agent using universal precautions.
  • Triple contain in accordance with federal shipping regulations for infectious agents.
    Additional forms & resources
Method Agglutination tests for the detection of antibody-antigen complexes
Turn-around Time 3 working days (Human specimens)
1 month (Nobuto strips)
Interferences/Limitations Non-specific agglutination of heterophile antibodies.  Gross hemolysis, lipemia and bacterial contamination may interfere.
Common Causes for Rejection
  • Insufficient quantity
  • Unacceptable specimen type or source
  • Improper shipping conditions
  • Expired media or collection container
  • Discrepancies between specimen label and submission form
  • Incomplete or missing submission form.
Additional Information A convalescent serum specimen is recommended and should be taken at four weeks or longer in order to look for seroconversion.