Serology
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Reference Details
Sera analyzed for the detection of antibodies to F. tularensis.
- Tularemia
Human serum sample. Minimum volume required – 1.0 mL. Hyperlipemic, hemolysed or contaminated sera may yield erroneous results.
Collect blood in serum separator tubes.
Transfer an aliquot of serum to a 1.5 mL screw-top vial with O-ring (Sarstedt vial). Store specimens refrigerated up to 5 days or frozen until shipped for testing. Ship frozen on dry ice or on wet ice.
Shipping of specimens shall be done by a TDG certified individual in accordance with TDG regulations. For additional information regarding classification of specimens for the purposes of shipping, consult either Part 2 Appendix 3 of the TDG Regulations or section 3.6.2 of the IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations as applicable.
Appropriate clinical symptoms and suspected exposure to animals infected with F. tularensis.
Please list all clinical symptoms appropriate to the suspected area of infection detailed by submission of a completed Bioforensics Assay Development and Diagnostics requisition form including sender name, address and telephone number, patient name or identifier (referring lab #), date of birth, suspected exposure, test(s) requested, type of specimen and date collected. Append all relevant clinical background information and testing performed. Please include patient travel history if applicable.
Specimens may be subject to rejection if they are not the appropriate sample type, have insufficient volume, or are not accompanied by relevant patient information.
THIS TEST IS PERFORMED FOR INVESTIGATIONAL OR RESEARCH PURPOSES ONLY
In-house microagglutination test (MAT). This is a semi-quantitative test for the detection to F. tularensis, where a single serum titre of ≥128 is considered positive. A four-fold or greater increase in titre between two serum samples drawn a minimum of 14 days apart is considered confirmation of a recent or current infection with F. tularensis.
30 calendar days. Please note that during times when large numbers of samples are received or if tests must be repeated the turnaround time may be longer.
- Brown SL, et al. 1980. Evaluation of a safranin-O-stained antigen microagglutination test for francisella tularensis antibodies. J Clin Microbiol 11:146-148.