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Test ID CBSRP Coxiella burnetii (Q Fever), Molecular Detection, PCR, Serum

Useful For

Diagnosing Coxiella burnetii infection (ie, 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, S

Specimen Type

Serum

Collection Container/Tube:

Preferred: 5-mL red top

Submission Container/Tube: Sterile vial

Specimen Volume: 1 mL

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
Serum Frozen (preferred) 7 days
  Refrigerated  7 days

Clinical Information

Coxiella burnetii, the causative agent of Q fever, is a small obligately intracellular bacterium, which is associated with animals. It is acquired through aerosol exposure and generally causes mild respiratory disease. A small number of acute cases advance to a chronic infection, which typically manifests as endocarditis. Left untreated, Q fever endocarditis may be fatal. Serologic and histopathologic studies may be nonspecific and subjective, respectively, limiting usefulness for patient diagnosis.

 

Evaluation of infected tissue, blood, or serum using PCR may be a useful tool for diagnosing some cases of Coxiella burnetii infection. Mayo Medical Laboratories has developed a real-time PCR test that rapidly detects Coxiella burnetii DNA in clinical specimens by targeting a sequence of the shikimate dehydrogenase gene (aroE) unique to 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 days

Performing 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

NY State Approved

Yes