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Immunofluorescence Assay (IFA) - IgG

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Reference Details

Description:

Immunofluorescence Assay (IFA) IgG to spotted fever rickettsiae.  Spotted fever rickettsiae includes Rickettsia rickettsii, Rickettsia africae, Rickettsia conorii, Rickettsia parkeri, Rickettsia akari, Rickettsia felis and other spotted fever rickettsiae.

Test Category:
Serology
Pathogen:
Spotted fever rickettsiae
Illnesses and Diseases:
  • Rocky Mountain spotted fever (RMSF)
  • African tick bite fever
  • Mediterranean spotted fever
  • Rickettsial pox
  • Spotted fever rickettsiosis
Specimen:

Serum sample.  Minimum volume required – 0.5 mL. (0.5 ml is sufficient volume for all requested rickettsial testing on one sample).

Collection Method:

Submit in a sterile microcentrifuge tube.

Specimen Processing, Storage and Shipping:

Store samples refrigerated or frozen until shipped for testing. Ship frozen samples on dry ice, and refrigerated samples on wet ice

Transportation of Dangerous Goods:

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.

 

Patient Criteria:

Suspected rickettsial infection.

Accompanying Documentation:

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 and clinical history. Type of specimen and date collected. If possible, include the antibiotics administered and travel history.

Comments:

The name of the Rickettsial test “RMSF” (Rocky Mounted Spotted Fever) has been changed to the broader term of “Spotted Fever Rickettsiosis”. This change reflects the inability of serological assays to distinguish between different spotted fever group rickettsial species.

Methods and Interpretation of Results:

Samples are screened for antibodies to R. rickettsii at a dilution of 1:64 using the Focus Diagnostics Rickettsia IFA IgG kit.  Samples that are reactive at a dilution of 1:64 are serially titrated 2-fold to determine the end-point titre.

Turnaround Time:

15 calendar days.

Contact:
Phone #: (204) 789-7037
Fax: (204) 789-2018
References:
  1. Indirect fluorescent antibody technique for the detection of rickettsial antibodies. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. 1988.
Guidelines:
Related Information: