Frequently Asked Questions

Cell-free DNA technology has been used successfully in noninvasive prenatal testing (NIPT), organ transplant rejection screening, and oncology liquid biopsies. Karius has developed this technology for use in infectious disease diagnostics.

Cell-free DNA from pathogens can be found in blood regardless of the site of infection. By sequencing cell-free DNA circulating in the plasma, biopsies to obtain intact pathogens may be avoided.

Applications of the Karius Test include:

• Infections in immunocompromised patients
• Complicated pneumonia
• Endocarditis
• Fever Unknown Origin
• Febrile Neutropenia
• Invasive Fungal Infection

Currently, the Karius Test is validated only for blood plasma specimens. However, this does not mean that we can only detect bloodstream infections. We have found that even when an infection is localized in the CSF, in the lung, or in a deep abscess, pathogen cfDNA from that infection can be detected in the plasma.

The Karius Test can detect cell-free DNA (cfDNA) from dead and dying pathogens released into the bloodstream. Therefore, the cfDNA signal of a pathogen may still be detected even when a patient has been pre-treated with antibiotics.

Karius Test AMR capabilities include detection of antimicrobial resistance for 18 bacterial pathogens and 4 classes of antimicrobial resistance:

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococci (SCCmec, mecA, mecC), Vancomycin-resistant Enterococci (vanA, vanB), Carbapenem-resistant Gram-negative bacteria (KPC), Extended spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL)-producing Gram-negative bacteria (CTX-M). Learn more at Karius Test AMR

You can reach us Monday - Sunday 6am-4pm PST by phone at 1-866-452-7487 or by email at help@kariusdx.com.

Karius is a Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA)-certified clinical diagnostic laboratory. We offer infectious disease testing in every state in the United States, including permits and licenses to provide our testing services in states that require them, such as New York, California, Maryland, Rhode Island, and Pennsylvania.

Please see our Licensure Page, for more information and to download copies of Karius’s licenses and certifications.

Typically, specimens received at our laboratory by 8:30 AM Monday through Saturday are reported the next day (Monday-Sunday).

Please contact Karius at help@kariusdx.com to create an account. To onboard your institution, we will need the following information:

• Institution Name
• Address
• Phone Number
• Fax Number
• Billing Contact
• Email Address for login credentials

Package the specimen along with a printed Karius Test Requisition Form using packaging and transportation supplies provided by Karius. Specimens should be shipped at ambient temperature and should arrive at Karius within 4 days (96 hours) of draw.

We recommend that specimens be shipped via UPS Next Day Air® Early to ensure that the specimens are received at Karius before 8:30 AM. Karius covers UPS Next Day Air® Early fees. You can use the UPS pre-printed airbills included in our kits or select the option to print a UPS label when you submit the requisition online.