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HelpTest ID CBBRP Coxiella burnetii (Q fever), Molecular Detection, PCR, Blood
Useful For
Diagnosing Coxiella burnetii infection (eg, Q fever)
Method Name
Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR)
(PCR is utilized pursuant to a license agreement with Roche Molecular Systems, Inc.)
Reporting Name
Coxiella burnetii (Q fever) PCR, BSpecimen Type
Whole Blood EDTAContainer/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 specimen in original tube.
Additional Information: The high sensitivity of amplification by PCR requires the specimen to be processed in an environment in which contamination of the specimen by Coxiella burnetii DNA is unlikely.
Specimen 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, which is distributed ubiquitously in the environment. The agent is acquired through aerosol exposure and 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 PCR has been shown to be an effective tool for diagnosing Coxiella burnetii infection. Mayo Medical Laboratories has developed a real-time PCR test that permits rapid identification of Coxiella burnetii.
The assay targets a unique sequence of the shikimate dehydrogenase gene (aroE) present in Coxiella burnetii.
Reference Values
Not applicable
Cautions
Test results should be used as an aid in diagnosis and not be considered diagnostic in themselves. The 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, Wednesday, Friday
Report Available
2 daysPerforming Laboratory
Mayo Medical Laboratories in Rochester
Test Classification
This test was developed and its performance characteristics determined by Mayo Clinic in a manner consistent with CLIA requirements. This test has not been cleared or approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.CPT Code Information
87798