Useful For: Screening for exposure to Coxiella burnetii, the causative agent of Q fever. This test should not be used as a screening procedure for the general population.
Testing Algorithm: If the Q fever serology result is reactive, then Q Fever IgG and IgM Antibodies (Sendout) [RQFP] by indirect immunofluorescence will be performed at an additional charge.
Code | Name |
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RQFVRR | Q Fever Antibody Screen |
Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA)
Interpretation:
Negative: No antibodies to Q fever (Coxiella burnetii) detected. Repeat testing on a new sample collected in 2 to 3 weeks if acute Q fever is suspected.
Reactive: Not diagnostic. Sample reflexed to the indirect immunofluorescence assay to determine Q fever (Coxiella burnetii) phase I and phase II IgM and IgG titers.
Cautions: Serologic responses are time dependent. Specimens collected too early in the disease may not have detectable antibody levels. A second specimen collected 2 to 3 weeks may be necessary to detect antibody.
Cross-reactivity may occur with other closely related intracellular organisms (eg, Rickettsia spp).
3 mL in GOLD SST or RED TOP tube
Outside Laboratories: Centrifuge sample and transfer serum to a separate plastic vial. Refrigerate serum.
Stability: Refrigerated (preferred): 7 days; Frozen: 7 Days; Ambient: Unacceptable.
Reject Due To: Gross hemolysis, gross lipemia, gross icterus, heat-inactivated specimen.
Centrifuge sample and transfer serum to a separate plastic vial. Refrigerate serum.
Sendouts:
Stability: Refrigerated (preferred): 7 days; Frozen: 7 Days; Ambient: Unacceptable.
Reject Due To: Gross hemolysis, gross lipemia, gross icterus, heat-inactivated specimen.
Sendout |
Mayo Clinic Laboratories (Superior Drive)
800-533-1710 3050 Superior Drive NW |
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