Francisella tularensis Antibodies (Sendout)

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General Information

Lab Name
Francisella tularensis Antibodies
Lab Code
RFTUL
Epic Ordering
Francisella Tularensis Antibodies
External Test Id
TULAB
Description

Useful For:

  • Aiding in the diagnosis of tularemia caused by Francisella tularensis
  • This test should not be used as a test of cure as it is not quantitative and patients may remain seropositive for months to years following resolution of disease.

Test Highlights:

  • This test detects IgM and IgG class antibodies to Francisella tularensis in serum and may be used as an aid for the diagnosis of tularemia.
  • Serologic testing should be performed alongside other diagnostic methods, including culture of appropriate specimens. (Note: please notify microbiology laboratory in cases of suspected F tularensis to minimize exposure risk to bench technologists)
References
  1. Mayo Clinic Laboratories Francisella tularensis Antibody Clinical & Interpretive Information
Synonyms
Febrile Agglutinins-Francisella tularensis, Francisella tularensis, Glandular Fever, Rabbit Fever, TULAB, Tularemia, Tularensis
Components

Interpretation

Method

Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA)

Reference Range
See individual components
Interferences and Limitations

Cautions:

False-negative results may occur in specimens collected too soon following symptom onset, prior to the development of a detectable immune response. Repeat testing on new specimens collected 2 to 4 weeks later may be helpful.

False-positive results may occur in patients previously or currently infected with Brucella species. Other less frequent causes of cross-reactivity that have been reported include prior infection with Yersinia, Salmonella, or Legionella species.

IgM-class antibodies may be detectable as soon as 1 week after symptom onset and may remain detectable for multiple years following resolution of disease in some individuals. Therefore, an IgM-positive result may not indicate current or recent infection in some cases.

There are multiple subspecies of Francisella tularensis, including F tularensis subspecies tularensis, F tularensis subspecies holarctica and F tularensis subspecies novicida, which are found throughout the northern hemisphere, including in the United States. The IgM and IgG anti-F tularensis enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) tests used at Mayo Clinic Laboratories are based on the lipopolysaccharide (LPS) antigen of F tularensis. Although not directly tested, previous studies indicate that there are no antigenic differences between the LPS of F tularensis subspecies tularensis and the other subspecies. Therefore, these assays should not be used to differentiate between infections with the various F tularensis subspecies.

References
  1. Mayo Clinic Laboratories Francisella tularensis Antibody Clinical & Interpretive Information
Guidelines

Ordering & Collection

Specimen Type
Blood
Collection

3 mL blood in RED TOP tube or GOLD TOP SST

Handling Instructions

Outside Laboratories: Centrifuge sample and transfer serum to a separate plastic vial. Refrigerate serum.

Stability: Refrigerated (preferred): 7 days; Frozen: 30 days; Ambient: Unacceptable.

Reject Due To: Gross hemolysis, gross lipemia, gross icterus, heat-inactivated specimen.

Quantity
requested: 0.6 mL serum
minimum: 0.5 mL serum

Processing

Processing

Centrifuge sample and transfer serum to a separate plastic aliquot. Refrigerate serum.

Sendouts,

  • Order Mayo Test: TULAB.
  • Interfaced: Yes.

Stability: Refrigerated (preferred): 7 days; Frozen: 30 days; Ambient: Unacceptable.

Reject Due To: Gross hemolysis, gross lipemia, gross icterus, heat-inactivated specimen.

Performance

LIS Dept Code
Sendouts Mayo Lab (RF) (MARF)
Performing Location(s)
Sendout Mayo Clinic Laboratories (Superior Drive)
800-533-1710

3050 Superior Drive NW
Rochester, MN 55901
Frequency
Performed: Tuesday, Thursday. Report Available: 1-7 days.
Available STAT?
No

Billing & Coding

CPT codes
86668x2
LOINC
23124-1