Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 6, 2026
08:01
Detection of Invasive Pulmonary Aspergillosis in Haematological Malignancy Patients by using Lateral-flow Technology
Published on: March 22, 2012
Diagnostic Testing Characteristics of Routine Laboratory Findings for Suspected Human Granulocytic Anaplasmosis
Michael J Waxman1, Zachary Landau1, Maaham Rehman1
1Department of Emergency Medicine, Albany Medical College, Albany, New York, USA.
Vector Borne and Zoonotic Diseases (Larchmont, N.Y.)
|July 25, 2026
Summary
Routine laboratory tests can help diagnose human granulocytic anaplasmosis (HGA) while awaiting PCR results. Multiple abnormal lab values, especially four or more, strongly suggest HGA, while normal results help rule it out.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Clinical Diagnostics
- Microbiology
Background:
- Human granulocytic anaplasmosis (HGA) is associated with known laboratory abnormalities.
- Early diagnosis aids clinical management while awaiting definitive polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the diagnostic utility of routine laboratory tests for HGA.
- To compare the accuracy of common lab abnormalities against PCR as a gold standard.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective chart review of emergency department patients with suspected HGA.
- Analysis of 223 PCR-positive and 466 PCR-negative cases.
- Calculation of likelihood ratios (LR+ and LR-) for individual and combined laboratory abnormalities.
Main Results:
- Individual lab tests like thrombocytopenia (LR+ = 3.51) and bandemia (LR+ = 5.16) showed diagnostic value.
- Combinations of abnormalities significantly increased diagnostic power (e.g., 4+ abnormalities, LR+ = 12.96).
- Absence of all five tested abnormalities yielded a strong negative likelihood ratio (LR- = 0.16).
Conclusions:
- Routine laboratory abnormalities are valuable for ruling in suspected HGA.
- The presence of four or more abnormal lab values strongly indicates HGA.
- Normal results across all five tested parameters effectively rule out HGA.
