What's this test for?

This test is ideal if you're experiencing unexplained fever, swollen lymph nodes, fatigue, or a scratch or bite from a cat that hasn't healed properly. It looks for the actual DNA of Bartonella bacteria in your sample, which causes illnesses like cat scratch disease and trench fever. It's especially useful if you've had contact with cats, fleas, or lice and have ongoing symptoms that haven't been explained by other causes.

How should I prepare for this test?

How can I naturally support my recovery from a Bartonella infection? While treatment for confirmed infections typically involves antibiotics, supporting your immune system with good sleep, a balanced diet rich in vitamins C and D, staying hydrated, and managing stress can help your body fight off infection more effectively. Avoiding scratches or bites from cats and controlling flea exposure on pets can also reduce reinfection risk. These lifestyle steps work alongside, not instead of, appropriate testing and care.

What's included in this test?

This test checks specifically for genetic material from Bartonella bacteria, the group responsible for cat scratch disease and trench fever. It can tell the difference between two main species, which matters because they're linked to different exposure sources and illness patterns, helping narrow down what might be causing your symptoms.

What happens after I get my results?

Your results will show up in your account as either Positive or Negative for Bartonella DNA, with a clear explanation of what that means. If your result is positive, next steps typically include getting additional testing to confirm the diagnosis alongside your symptoms, since a single PCR result isn't used alone to diagnose infection. If your result is negative but symptoms continue, retesting or additional testing may be worth considering since a negative result doesn't fully rule out infection. You can download the full lab report from your account anytime, and if you test again in the future, you'll be able to track your results over time.

When will I get my results?

Results for this test are typically ready within about 7 days of your sample being processed at the lab. You'll receive a notification once your results are posted to your secure online account, where you can view the detailed report right away.

Who should consider this test?

This test is a good fit for people who have been scratched or bitten by a cat and later developed fever, swollen lymph nodes, fatigue, or a lingering skin lesion at the site. It's also worth considering if you've had exposure to fleas, lice, or homeless populations at higher risk for trench fever, or if you have unexplained symptoms that haven't responded to typical treatments.

What symptoms indicate I may need this test?

Common signs include a red bump or blister at a scratch or bite site, swollen and tender lymph nodes (often near the injury), low-grade fever, fatigue, headache, and sometimes body aches. In people with weakened immune systems, symptoms can be more severe and include prolonged fever or unusual skin lesions. If you've had recent contact with cats and notice these symptoms, this test can help identify whether Bartonella is the cause.

What does a positive result mean?

A positive result means Bartonella DNA was found in your sample, suggesting an active infection. Since this test alone isn't used to confirm a diagnosis, a positive result should be considered alongside your symptoms and possibly other tests to fully establish what's going on. In the meantime, keeping any wound clean, monitoring your symptoms, and noting when they started can be helpful information.

What does a negative result mean?

A negative result means no Bartonella DNA was detected in your specific sample, but this doesn't completely rule out infection. Timing matters — bacteria levels can vary, and testing too early or too late in the illness can affect results. If your symptoms continue despite a negative result, it may be worth retesting or considering other explanations for your symptoms.

How often should I retest?

If your first test was negative but symptoms persist or worsen, retesting after a couple of weeks may give a clearer picture, since bacterial DNA levels can fluctuate during infection. If you've been treated for a confirmed infection, retesting can help confirm the bacteria has cleared. Otherwise, this isn't a test most people need on a routine or recurring basis.

Getting your blood test with us is easy, private & backed by the power of science.Long story short: In the test options, use the filters or search box to narrow your choices and find the test you want. If you need a hand navigating through options, text our super friendly support team at 754-799-7833, and we'll provide tailored suggestions to help you find the ideal test. Once your order is placed, we’ll create your doctor’s lab order remotely, without any need for you to make a trip to a doctor in person or to talk to the doctor. Expect to receive your doctor’s lab order right in your inbox. It will also be in your patient portal if you need to find it later. We’ll also include instructions regarding fasting and other requirements for your test. Your patient portal will be auto-created hassle-free during checkout. If this is your first time ordering, you'll be prompted to create a password for instant login access to your patient portal. It's a quick way to conveniently access your orders and results whenever you want. When you’re ready, visit one of our 4,000 locations. Just bring your ID – no printing or faxing of your lab order is needed, as your order and details will already be in the lab system. Note that most lab locations don’t accept walk-ins, so it’s best to book an appointment in advance. Don’t worry – we’ll provide detailed instructions along the way. You’ll get your results via email & SMS and dive into understanding your body better. Yup, that easy! If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com and we'll gladly help you.

How do I know which test to get?

In the test options, find the test you want. If you’re not sure which test to get, we can lend a hand in finding the right option. Just text or call us at 754-799-7833, email us at support@privatemdlabs.com, and we'll gladly help you. We've got your back and reply quickly.

When will my lab results be available?

Most test results will be available within 1–3 business days. Once they're ready, we'll send an email and text message to let you know. After your blood draw, just hang tight and don't worry – we'll keep you updated and in the loop! If you have any further questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com, and we'll gladly help you.

Is it possible to make changes to my lab order if I made a mistake with the name, date of birth, or any other details?

Absolutely! We totally understand that errors can happen. No worries, we're here to help you. Just reach out to us via text at 754-799-7833 or shoot us an email at support@privatemdlabs.com. Remember to include your order number and let us know the correct information you’d like to update. Our awesome team will jump right in and make sure everything is sorted out and accurate for you. There are no changes necessary if your address is wrong on the requisition though. We don’t mail anything out. Our lab requires an address to be listed to generate an order.

Do you accept health insurance?

Only HSA & FSA is accepted. Our services are strictly self-pay and cannot be submitted to your health insurance provider except for Health Savings Accounts or Flexible Savings Accounts. This policy applies to all insurance companies, including federal health insurance programs like Medicare. If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com.

Can I cancel my order?

Yes. We get it – sometimes your needs change. As long as your samples haven’t been collected yet, we’re happy to help you cancel your order. If you have any further questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com. You can read more about our cancellation policy here.

How can I find a lab location near me?

During the ordering process, you’ll be able to select a specific lab near you, with no strings attached! You can switch it up later easily and visit any of our authorized locations as long as it’s the same lab company you selected your test for (Quest Diagnostics or Labcorp). Before you proceed with your order, feel free to browse through all our lab locations here. This will give you the peace of mind of knowing that there's a lab nearby your home, office or your favorite gym. If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com and we'll gladly help you.

Bartonella DNA PCR Test - Cat Scratch Disease Check

Getting your blood test with us is easy, private & backed by the power of science.

Long story short:

In the test options, use the filters or search box to narrow your choices and find the test you want.
If you need a hand navigating through options, text our super friendly support team at 754-799-7833, and we'll provide tailored suggestions to help you find the ideal test.
Once your order is placed, we’ll create your doctor’s lab order remotely, without any need for you to make a trip to a doctor in person or to talk to the doctor. Expect to receive your doctor’s lab order right in your inbox. It will also be in your patient portal if you need to find it later. We’ll also include instructions regarding fasting and other requirements for your test. Your patient portal will be auto-created hassle-free during checkout.
If this is your first time ordering, you'll be prompted to create a password for instant login access to your patient portal. It's a quick way to conveniently access your orders and results whenever you want.
When you’re ready, visit one of our 4,000 locations. Just bring your ID – no printing or faxing of your lab order is needed, as your order and details will already be in the lab system.
Note that most lab locations don’t accept walk-ins, so it’s best to book an appointment in advance. Don’t worry – we’ll provide detailed instructions along the way.
You’ll get your results via email & SMS and dive into understanding your body better. Yup, that easy!

754-799-7833

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