Coxiella burnetii (Q Fever), Molecular Detection, PCR, Serum
Use
Aiding in the diagnosis of Coxiella burnetii infection (ie, Q fever) using serum specimens. 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. A positive result indicates the presence of Coxiella burnetii DNA. A negative result indicates the absence of detectable C burnetii DNA but does not negate the presence of the organism and may occur due to inhibition of PCR, sequence variability underlying primers or probes, or the presence of C burnetii DNA in quantities less than the limit of detection of the assay.
Special Instructions
NA (no supplemental report); If not ordering electronically, complete, print, and send a Microbiology Test Request (T244) with the specimen. The high sensitivity of amplification by PCR requires specimen processing in an environment where contamination by C. burnetii DNA is unlikely.
Limitations
A negative result does not rule out infection and may occur due to PCR inhibition, sequence variability, or DNA quantity below the detection limit. Limit of detection is 21.6 targets/mcL for serum.
New York Approved
Methodology
PCR-based (PCR)
Biomarkers
LOINC Codes
- 31208-2
- 90443-3
Result Turnaround Time
3-8 days
Related Documents
For more information, please review the documents below
Specimen
Serum
Volume
1 mL
Minimum Volume
0.5 mL
Container
Preferred: Red top; Acceptable: Serum gel; Submission: Sterile vial
Collection Instructions
Centrifuge and aliquot serum into a sterile vial within 2 hours of collection.
Storage Instructions
Frozen preferred; refrigerated acceptable
Stability Requirements
| Temperature | Period |
|---|---|
| Refrigerated | 7 days |
| Frozen | 7 days |