Urine Test
Bartonella IgG Blood Test
£80.00
Investigate cat scratch disease and related bacterial infections with a private Bartonella IgG blood test at Medical Diagnosis Victoria (MDX Victoria) in London.
This test detects specific IgG antibodies against Bartonella bacteria to confirm past exposure or identify an active infection. It provides essential clarity if you are experiencing symptoms like swollen lymph nodes, fever, and fatigue, or if your doctor is investigating atypical complications such as unexplained heart valve infections.
Processed through a specialised referral laboratory, this targeted screening delivers the reliable insights needed to guide accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.
Infection Screening & Specialist Serology
Private Bartonella IgG Blood Test in London
Have you recently been scratched or bitten by a cat and developed swollen lymph nodes, an unexplained fever, or chronic fatigue? At Medical Diagnosis Victoria (MDX Victoria), we provide a highly specific Bartonella IgG blood test. This specialised assay detects antibodies against Bartonella species, the bacteria responsible for cat scratch disease and other rare infections. 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 IgG Test?
Bartonella is a genus of bacteria that can be transmitted to humans primarily through scratches, bites, or fleas from infected animals, particularly cats. It is the primary cause of cat scratch disease and can also lead to more severe conditions like trench fever or endocarditis. This blood test detects IgG antibodies, indicating that your immune system has responded to a Bartonella infection, helping to confirm prior exposure or an ongoing active infection.
Cat Scratch Disease
Evaluating these antibodies is essential for diagnosing:
- Swollen lymph nodes (lymphadenitis)
- Unexplained fever and fatigue
- Sores at the site of a scratch or bite
- Complications from feline exposure
Bartonella Endocarditis
This test is highly useful because it:
- Investigates unexplained heart valve infections
- Identifies “culture-negative” endocarditis
- Assesses systemic inflammation
- Guides highly specific antibiotic therapy
Atypical Presentations
The laboratory provides critical data to:
- Evaluate patients with chronic symptoms
- Diagnose trench fever
- Investigate unexplained neurological signs
- Support specialists in infectious disease
Clinical Uses
Why is Blood Testing for Bartonella Important?
While many Bartonella infections resolve on their own, some can become chronic or 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 IgG antibodies in your blood is often the most reliable way to secure an accurate diagnosis.
Evaluating Physical Symptoms
You should consider this test if you are actively experiencing symptoms following an animal scratch or bite, such as:
- Swollen, tender lymph nodes near the site of the injury (often the armpits or neck).
- Unexplained, persistent fever, headaches, and lethargy.
- Atypical rashes, chronic joint pain, or bone pain.
Ongoing Medical & Diagnostic Use
Doctors frequently recommend antibody testing to manage complex diagnoses, including:
- Investigating “culture-negative” endocarditis (heart valve infections that do not show up on standard bacterial blood cultures).
- Assisting specialists in diagnosing patients with chronic, unexplained inflammatory symptoms following feline or flea exposure.
- 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 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 IgG antibodies to Bartonella species are present in your blood. A positive (or reactive) result strongly suggests a prior exposure to the bacteria. Depending on the exact antibody levels (titres) and your clinical symptoms, it may also indicate an ongoing active infection. Because IgG antibodies can remain elevated long after an infection has cleared, your doctor will interpret these results alongside your medical history.
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 cat scratch disease?
Cat scratch disease is a bacterial infection caused by Bartonella henselae. People can get it from a scratch or bite from a cat (especially kittens) that has been infected by fleas. It typically causes swollen lymph nodes and a fever.
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.
Does a positive result mean I am currently infected?
Not always. IgG antibodies confirm that your body has encountered the bacteria at some point in the past. To determine if the infection is currently active, a doctor will evaluate your antibody levels (titres) in the context of your present physical symptoms.
Online Trends
Most Searched Online Questions About Bartonella
What is culture-negative endocarditis?
Endocarditis is a life-threatening infection of the inner lining of the heart chambers and valves. “Culture-negative” means the bacteria causing it do not grow on standard laboratory blood cultures. Bartonella is a common cause of this, making antibody testing crucial for a diagnosis.
How is Bartonella treated?
Many mild cases of cat scratch disease resolve without treatment. However, severe, atypical, or systemic infections (like endocarditis or trench fever) require specific, often prolonged courses of antibiotics prescribed by a doctor.
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.
Related Health Categories
Book Your Private Blood Test in London Today
Take Control of Your Health
Stop guessing about the cause of your unexplained fever, swollen lymph nodes, or chronic fatigue. Secure your Bartonella IgG 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.
Related Profiles/Tests
Urine Test
Urine Test
Urine Test
Urine Test
Anaemia
Anaemia
Anaemia
