This test is designed to detect the bacteria responsible for human granulocytic ehrlichiosis (HGE), specifically Ehrlichia equi and Ehrlichia phagocytophilia. It's a highly accurate method that does not detect Ehrlichia chaffeensis, another type of bacteria. When someone shows symptoms that could be HGE, this test, along with other clinical evaluations, helps confirm the presence or absence of the disease. A negative result means the test didn't find HGE bacteria at levels we can measure, but it doesn't completely rule out the disease.
Who might need this test?
Doctors might suggest this test if you have symptoms that could be due to HGE.