Order Code LABGOR, KPLA Karius Spectrum, Plasma
Additional Codes
Mayo test Code: KLPA
Specimen Required
Collection Container/Tube:
Preferred: Plasma preparation tube (PPT)
Acceptable: Lavender top (K2 EDTA)
Submission Container/Tube:
Preferred: PPT
Acceptable: Sterile polypropylene tube
Specimen Volume: 1 mL Plasma
Collection Instructions :
1. Gently invert tube 8 to 10 times to mix whole blood.
2. Centrifuge specimen as follows:
a. For PPT: Within 6 hours of collection, centrifuge at 1100 x g for 10 minutes.
b. For K2 EDTA:
i. Within 24 hours of collection, centrifuge at 1600 x g for 10 minutes. For tubes less than 4 mL, refer to tube manufacturer’s instructions for centrifugation speed and time.
ii. Aliquot 1 mL of plasma into a sterile polypropylene tube, taking care not to disturb the buffy coat.
3. For complete instructions see Karius Spectrum Specimen Collection and Preparation Process.
Useful For
Rapid and minimally invasive detection of deep-seated and difficult-to-diagnose systemic infections throughout the body
Provide antimicrobial resistance detection for microbes known to utilize the antimicrobial resistance mechanism
Testing Algorithm
For diagnostic application information see the following:
Karius Spectrum Diagnostic Application Pneumonia
Karius Spectrum: Diagnostic Application Endocarditis
Karius Spectrum: Diagnostic Application Febrile Neutropenia
Karius Spectrum: Diagnostic Application Invasive Fungal Infection
Karius Spectrum: Diagnostic Application Fever of Unknown Origin (FUO)
Method Name
Metagenomic Sequencing
Reporting Name
Karius Spectrum, PSpecimen Type
PlasmaSpecimen Minimum Volume
Plasma: 0.7 mL
Specimen Stability Information
| Specimen Type | Temperature | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Plasma | Frozen (preferred) | 180 days |
| Ambient | 4 days |
Reject Due To
| Incomplete or improper plasma separation | Reject |
Reference Values
An interpretive report will be provided.
Method Description
Karius Spectrum utilizes metagenomic sequencing of microbial-cell free DNA (mcfDNA) in plasma. The daily lab workflow involves preparing reagents and setting up automation systems for processing blood samples. Quality control materials are added to plasma samples to monitor issues such as contamination, technical errors, or sample mix-ups. DNA sequencing is performed directly from plasma without needing to extract DNA first, using a process tailored to recover microbial DNA efficiently. Each batch of samples is prepared together and sequenced using high-throughput instruments. Sequencing results are automatically analyzed and checked against background signals in real time. To improve the accuracy of clinical results, advanced bioinformatics filters are used, which help distinguish between true infections and background microbes commonly found in healthy individuals or due to environmental contamination. The filters are based on large reference datasets and known microbial patterns. Sequencing reads are matched to a comprehensive microbial reference database, and results are filtered to ensure they meet quality standards. The clinical reportable range includes over 1000 bacteria, DNA viruses, fungi and parasites known to be associated with human infections.
For a listing of pathogens see https://kariusdx.com/our-solution/pathogens?product=spectrum.
Day(s) Performed
Monday through Saturday
Performing Laboratory
Karius LaboratoryCPT Code Information
0152U
LOINC Code Information
| Test ID | Test Order Name | Order LOINC Value |
|---|---|---|
| KPLA | Karius Spectrum, P | Not Provided |
| Result ID | Test Result Name | Result LOINC Value |
|---|---|---|
| KPLA | Karius Spectrum, P | Not Provided |