Testing Laboratory
Auckland Te Toka Tumai | Auckland HospitalDepartment
Microbiology
Delphic Registration Code (Alpha Code)
BPCR
Test Code (Numeric Code)
2686
Laboratory Handling
Phlebotomy
When sending blood for Bartonella PCR, collect a dedicated EDTA tube that is not shared with other test requests. DO NOT CENTRIFUGE.
Sample Stability
24 Hours
Synonyms
Bartonella henselae
Cat Scratch Disease
Turnaround Time
7 days
This test is performed in a weekly batch. Specimens received in the Microbiology laboratory before 1000 hrs on Monday will be processed that day and the results available on Wednesday. Specimens arriving after 1000 hrs on Monday will be held and processed in the following Monday's batch. Turnaround time excludes weekends and public holidays. Please discuss with the Clinical Microbiologist if urgent or non-routine specimens.
Specimen Type
- Tissue
- Whole Blood
Specimen Requirements
Tube/Container Type:
Preferred
- Please refer to Additional Information below
Acceptable
- EDTA (Lavender Cap)
Paediatric Specimen Requirements
Tube/Container Type:
Preferred
- EDTA (Lavender Cap)
Additional Specimen Information
The preferred specimen is infected tissue collected into a sterile container. Do not add formalin.
Culture is no longer performed on tissue or blood. PCR is offered instead for the detection of Bartonella henselae (Cat Scratch Disease) and other Bartonella species.
Last updated: 13/05/2026