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, SSpecimen Type
SerumCollection 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 daysPerforming Laboratory

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