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HelpTest ID CBBRP Coxiella burnetii (Q fever), Molecular Detection, PCR, Blood
Ordering Guidance
Specimen Required
The high sensitivity of amplification by polymerase chain reaction requires the specimen to be processed in an environment in which contamination of the specimen by Coxiella burnetii DNA is unlikely.
Container/Tube:
Preferred: Lavender top (EDTA)
Acceptable: Royal blue top (EDTA), pink top (EDTA), or sterile vial containing EDTA-derived aliquot
Specimen Volume: 1 mL
Collection Instructions: Send whole blood specimen in original tube (preferred).
Forms
If not ordering electronically, complete, print, and send a Microbiology Test Request (T244) with the specimen.
Secondary ID
62248Useful For
Aiding in the diagnosis of Coxiella burnetii infection (eg, Q fever)
Method Name
Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR)
Reporting Name
Coxiella burnetii (Q fever) PCR, BSpecimen Type
Whole Blood EDTASpecimen Minimum Volume
0.5 mL
Specimen Stability Information
| Specimen Type | Temperature | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Whole Blood EDTA | Refrigerated (preferred) | 7 days |
| Frozen | 7 days |
Clinical Information
Coxiella burnetii, the causative agent of Q fever, is a small obligate intracellular bacterium that is distributed ubiquitously in the environment. Acquired through aerosol exposure, it generally causes mild respiratory disease. A small number of these acute cases will advance to a chronic condition, which typically manifests as endocarditis. If left untreated, cases of Q fever endocarditis are fatal.
Current diagnostic methods of Q fever endocarditis include serologic studies and histopathologic examination of excised cardiac tissue. These current methods are subjective and nonspecific, limiting usefulness in patient diagnostics.
Evaluation of infected tissue, blood, or serum using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) has been shown to be an effective tool for diagnosing C burnetii infection. Mayo Clinic Laboratories has developed a real-time PCR test that permits rapid identification of C burnetii. The assay targets a unique sequence of the shikimate dehydrogenase gene (aroE) present in C burnetii.
The assay targets a unique sequence of the shikimate dehydrogenase gene (aroE) present in C burnetii.
Reference Values
Not applicable
Cautions
Test results should be used as an aid in diagnosis and not be considered diagnostic in themselves. A single assay should not be used as the only criteria to form a clinical conclusion, but results should be correlated with patient symptoms and clinical presentation. A negative result does not negate the presence of the organism or active disease.
Day(s) Performed
Monday through Friday
Report Available
Same day/1 to 4 daysPerforming Laboratory
Mayo Clinic Laboratories in Rochester
Test Classification
This test was developed and its performance characteristics determined by Mayo Clinic in a manner consistent with CLIA requirements. It has not been cleared or approved by the US Food and Drug Administration.CPT Code Information
87798