Molecular Detection by Real-Time PCR

Molecular detection by real-time PCR of Coxiella burnetii.

Whole blood – minimum 1.0 mL, biopsy tissue – minimum 1.0 mL.

Whole blood – EDTA tube; Tissue – submit in a sterile collection tube.

Store blood samples refrigerated until shipped for testing. Store tissue samples frozen until shipped for testing. Ship whole blood at 4oC; ship tissues on dry 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.

Suspected Q fever infection.

Completed Rickettsia and Related Zoonotic Diseases requisition including sender name, address and telephone number. Patient name or identifier (referring lab #), date of birth, suspected exposure, test(s) requested, clinical history and symptom onset date. Type of specimen and date collected. If possible, include the antibiotics administered and travel history.

N/A

Testing is performed, in whole or in part, using a lab-developed test which has not been fully validated/verified due to a lack of well-characterized panel.

Real-time PCR is performed using assays specific for the IS1111 and IS30 insertion sequence elements of C. burnetii.

15 calendar days.

1. Christensen DR, LJ Hartman, BM Loveless, MS Frye, MA Shipley, DL Bridge, MJ Richards, RS Kaplan, J Garrison, CD Baldwin, DA Kulesh DA Norwood. Detection of biological threat agents by real-time PCR: comparison of assay performance on the R.A.P.I.D., the LightCycler, and the Smart Cycler platforms. Clin Chem 2006; 52(1): 141-145.