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


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.

 

Collection Container/Tube:

Preferred: Red top

Acceptable: Serum gel

Submission Container/Tube: Sterile vial

Specimen Volume: 1 mL

Collection Instructions: Centrifuge and aliquot serum into a sterile vial within 2 hours of collection.


Forms

If not ordering electronically, complete, print, and send a Microbiology Test Request (T244) with the specimen.

Secondary ID

62194

Useful For

Aiding in the diagnosis of Coxiella burnetii infection (ie, Q fever) using serum specimens

Method Name

Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR)

Reporting Name

Coxiella burnetii (Q fever) PCR, S

Specimen Type

Serum

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 associated with animals. Acquired through aerosol exposure, it 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 polymerase chain reaction (PCR) may be a useful tool for diagnosing some cases of Coxiella burnetii infection. Mayo Clinic 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. 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

2 to 7 days

Performing 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

NY State Approved

Yes