Urine Test
Bartonella IgM Blood Test
£80.00
Identify recent bacterial infections such as cat scratch disease with a private Bartonella IgM blood test at Medical Diagnosis Victoria (MDX Victoria) in London.
This test detects specific IgM antibodies against Bartonella bacteria, which appear shortly after exposure. It is highly effective for confirming an active or very recent infection, allowing your doctor to distinguish it clearly from past exposure.
It provides essential clarity for patients experiencing a fever of unknown origin, swollen lymph nodes, or suspected acute heart valve infections. This targeted screening delivers the reliable insights needed to guide an accurate diagnosis and prompt treatment.
Infection Screening & Specialist Serology
Private Bartonella IgM Blood Test in London
Have you recently been scratched or bitten by a cat and rapidly developed swollen lymph nodes or an unexplained fever? At Medical Diagnosis Victoria (MDX Victoria), we provide a highly specific Bartonella IgM blood test. This specialised assay detects early immune responses to Bartonella species, the bacteria responsible for cat scratch disease and trench fever, confirming a recent or acute infection. Our expert clinical team in central London ensures a smooth, discreet, and professional experience.
📊 Test Specifications
Clinic Testing Fee
£80.00
+ £24.00 Phlebotomy Fee
Sample RequiredBlood Sample
Turnaround Time15 Days Processing
PreparationNo special instructions
StatusReferral Laboratory
Diagnostic Focus
What is the Bartonella IgM Test?
Bartonella is a genus of bacteria that can be transmitted to humans through scratches, bites, or fleas from infected animals, particularly cats. When you are first exposed to a new infection, your immune system produces IgM antibodies as its rapid, initial line of defence. This specific blood test looks for these early IgM antibodies, allowing doctors to distinguish a brand new, acute infection from a past exposure.
Acute Cat Scratch Disease
Evaluating IgM antibodies is essential for diagnosing:
- Sudden swollen lymph nodes (lymphadenitis)
- New onset fever and severe fatigue
- Active sores at the site of a scratch
- Recent feline exposure complications
Acute Endocarditis
This test is highly useful because it:
- Investigates sudden heart valve infections
- Identifies fast moving systemic inflammation
- Assists in “culture negative” cardiology cases
- Guides immediate, targeted antibiotic therapy
Unexplained Fevers
The laboratory provides critical data to:
- Evaluate fever of unknown origin
- Diagnose acute trench fever
- Investigate rapidly developing symptoms
- Support specialists in infectious disease
Clinical Uses
Why is Early Blood Testing for Bartonella Important?
While many Bartonella infections resolve on their own, some can quickly lead to serious complications affecting the heart, liver, or central nervous system. Because these bacteria can be very difficult to grow in a standard laboratory culture, detecting the specific acute IgM antibodies in your blood is often the most reliable way to secure an early and accurate diagnosis.
Evaluating Physical Symptoms
You should consider this test if you are actively experiencing rapid onset symptoms following an animal scratch or bite, such as:
- Painful, swollen lymph nodes near the site of the injury (often the armpits or neck).
- A sudden fever of unknown origin accompanied by chills and lethargy.
- Atypical skin lesions or rashes developing shortly after exposure.
Ongoing Medical & Diagnostic Use
Doctors frequently recommend IgM antibody testing to manage urgent diagnoses, including:
- Investigating acute “culture negative” endocarditis (heart valve infections that do not show up on standard bacterial blood cultures).
- Differentiating between a brand new active infection and immunity gained from a past, resolved infection.
- Providing a definitive diagnosis for patients with compromised immune systems facing severe atypical infections.
Understanding Zoonotic Infections
A comprehensive Bartonella Serology blood test provides essential clarity on deep-seated bacterial infections. For further information on managing bites and scratches in the UK, you can view the official NHS guide on animal bites.
Clinic Excellence
Why Choose Medical Diagnosis Victoria (MDX Victoria)?
Specialist Referral Laboratory
Your blood sample is securely transferred to a specialised referral laboratory equipped to accurately identify specific Bartonella IgM antibodies, ensuring highly reliable diagnostic data.
Specialist 15 Day Turnaround
Because this is a highly specialised assay not routinely performed in standard testing, it requires meticulous laboratory processing. Your comprehensive results will be securely delivered within 15 days.
Expert Central London Care
Conveniently located in Victoria, our clinic offers a welcoming and highly professional environment for a quick, discreet, and hassle-free blood draw.
Clear Pricing
£80.00 test fee plus a £24.00 blood draw fee with absolutely no hidden costs. Our experienced practitioners ensure your visit is completely straightforward.
Pathology Reports
How To Read Your Laboratory Results
Your results will indicate whether IgM antibodies to Bartonella species are present in your blood. A positive (or reactive) IgM result strongly suggests a recent or currently active infection. Because these antibodies are the body’s first response, a positive test helps doctors quickly diagnose acute conditions like cat scratch disease or trench fever and begin appropriate antibiotic treatment.
Results Timeline: Your specialist serology report is typically available within 15 days of your blood draw.
Medical Consultation
Need Help? Private GP Consultations
Zoonotic bacterial infections can be complex to manage. If you have questions about your exposure, are experiencing severe symptoms like fever or heart palpitations, or need help interpreting a positive antibody result, we offer private GP consultations on site. Our clinical team can review your report, arrange for cardiac imaging if necessary, and prescribe the correct antibiotic pathway.
Clinic Support
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to fast before the test?
No special preparation or fasting is required before this blood test. You can eat and drink normally prior to your appointment.
What is the difference between IgM and IgG tests for Bartonella?
IgM antibodies are produced immediately after an initial infection, making them excellent markers for a recent or acute illness. IgG antibodies develop later and can remain in your blood for years, which indicates past exposure.
How quickly will I get my results?
Because testing for Bartonella antibodies is a highly specialised laboratory process performed at a referral centre, your comprehensive results will be securely delivered within 15 days.
Is the phlebotomy fee included in the £80.00 price?
No, the £24.00 phlebotomy service fee is separate and covers the professional process of drawing your blood at our clinic, ensuring clear pricing and no hidden costs.
How is cat scratch disease treated?
Many mild cases resolve on their own with supportive care. However, acute or severe infections, especially those causing endocarditis or high fevers, require specific antibiotic treatments prescribed by a doctor.
Online Trends
Most Searched Online Questions About Bartonella
Can dogs transmit Bartonella?
While cats and their fleas are the primary reservoir for the bacteria that cause cat scratch disease, dogs and other animals can also occasionally be infected and potentially transmit the bacteria through bites or fleas.
What is culture negative endocarditis?
Endocarditis is a severe infection of the inner lining of the heart valves. “Culture negative” means the bacteria causing it do not grow easily on standard laboratory blood cultures. Bartonella is a leading cause of this, making antibody testing crucial for an accurate diagnosis.
How long does an acute infection last?
Without treatment, swollen lymph nodes from cat scratch disease can last for several weeks to a few months. Identifying the infection early with an IgM test allows for prompt medical intervention.
Related Health Categories
Book Your Private Blood Test in London Today
Take Control of Your Health
Stop guessing about the cause of your sudden fever or swollen lymph nodes. Secure your Bartonella IgM Serology blood test at Medical Diagnosis Victoria (MDX Victoria) today. Visit our welcoming, discreet London clinic and let our expert team support your health journey with clear, accurate diagnostic answers.
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