Chagas Disease Molecular Detection (Sendout)

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General Information

Lab Name
Lab Code
1061
External Test Id
CDC-10475
Description

Test Information: This assay is used in clinically indicated situations such as acute or congenital infections, post-transplant from a donor with confirmed T. cruzi infection, or risk of reactivation due to immunocompromise in patients with chronic Chagas disease. Serological testing is the preferred method to diagnose chronic infection in patients.

Ordering Requirements: Lab Medicine Resident or Microbiology Fellow approval required. Testing must be coordinated with LHJ epidemiologists or directly with the CDC (refer to the test menu linked below for laboratory "points of contact").

References

Resources:

Forms & Requisitions
  • WA PHL Specimen Pass Through Form (for sending samples through WAPHL to CDC only. Direct CDC submissions must be ordered in the CDC Specimen Test Order and Reporting [CSTOR] web portal.)
Synonyms
American trypanosomiasis, CDC-10475, Chagas PCR, Trypanosoma cruzi
Components

Interpretation

Guidelines
Method

Real-time Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR)

Reference Range
References

Resources:

Ordering & Collection

Specimen Type
Blood
Collection

Collect 5 mL blood in LAVENDER TOP (EDTA) tube

Also Accepted: PINK EDTA

Forms & Requisitions
  • WA PHL Specimen Pass Through Form (for sending samples through WAPHL to CDC only. Direct CDC submissions must be ordered in the CDC Specimen Test Order and Reporting [CSTOR] web portal.)
Approval Required
Lab Medicine Resident or Microbiology Fellow approval required. Testing must be coordinated with state lab epidemiologists or pre-approved by CDC.
Quantity
Requested: 5 mL EDTA whole blood
Minimum: 2.2 mL EDTA whole blood (Infants <1 year old: 0.3 mL whole blood)

Processing

Receiving Instructions

Refrigerate whole blood in original collection container.

Login: SPMSND-;REFRIG WHOLE BLOOD

  • MSNDTO: CDC
  • MSPTYP: WB
  • MTSTRQ: ;Chagas Disease Molecular Detection (CDC Test 10475)

Sendouts: Samples may be sent to WPHL or directly to the CDC, depending on instruction from the LMR/Micro Fellow.

To CDC via Washington State Public Health Lab:

  • Complete the WPHL Pass-Through Serology Requisition and include the name of the approving public health official in the Comment section. Add the CAST fax number to the form to ensure proper result routing.
  • Send sample refrigerated with the DLMP or STAT courier.

Direct Submission to CDC:

  • CDC Test: CDC-10475
  • Prepare a FedEx shipment to the CDC. Ship Monday through Thursday only (Saturday Delivery is not available). Do not ship before holidays.
  • Send a high priority HC1 task to CAST (Subcategory: Request for Electronic Requisitions) for assistance with online ordering and requisition printing. Include the FedEx tracking number in the task.
    • Effective 10/30/2026, the CDC no longer accepts the 50.34 Specimen Submission Form. All orders must be placed electronically in the CDC Specimen Test Order and Reporting (CSTOR) web portal.
  • Once the order is placed, CAST will attach a separate requisition form for each sample and a CSTOR packing slip to the HC1 Task.
    • Package the samples in a biohazard bag with the requisitions in the back pocket.
    • Affix the first page of the packing slip (no PHI) to the outside of the shipping box.
    • Include the second page of the packing slip (containing patient name/DOB) inside the package.
  • There must be two matching patient identifiers present on the samples and on the CDC requisitions. One identifier must be the name, the other identifier can be the MRN, specimen ID, or date of birth.
    • Note that because Sunquest CID labels do not contain the DOB, then either or the MRN or specimen ID must be included on the requisition or the date of birth added to the specimen label.
  • Send sample refrigerated (2-8°C) via FedEx Priority Overnight.
  • Samples must be received within 7 days of collection.

Stability: Refrigerated (required): 7 days; Frozen: Unacceptable; Ambient: Unacceptable.

Misc Sendout

Performance

Lab Department
Frequency
TAT: 2 weeks.
Available STAT?
No
Performing Location(s)
Sendout Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
855-612-7575

1600 Clifton Road NE
Atlanta, GA 30333

Billing & Coding

Billing Comments

No charge for CDC testing.