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Test Code CBBRP Coxiella burnetii (Q fever), Molecular Detection, PCR, Blood

Reporting Name

Coxiella burnetii (Q fever) PCR, B

Useful For

Aiding in the diagnosis of Coxiella burnetii infection (eg, Q fever)

Method Name

Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR)

Performing Laboratory

Mayo Clinic Laboratories in Rochester

Specimen Type

Whole Blood EDTA


Ordering Guidance


 



Specimen Required


The high sensitivity of amplification by polymerase chain reaction requires the specimen to be processed in an environment in which contamination of the specimen by Coxiella burnetii DNA is unlikely.

 

Container/Tube:

Preferred: Lavender top (EDTA)

Acceptable: Royal blue top (EDTA), pink top (EDTA), or sterile vial containing EDTA-derived aliquot

Specimen Volume: 1 mL

Collection Instructions: Send whole blood specimen in original tube (preferred).


Specimen Minimum Volume

0.5 mL

Specimen Stability Information

Specimen Type Temperature Time Special Container
Whole Blood EDTA Refrigerated (preferred) 7 days
  Frozen  7 days

Reject Due To

All specimens will be evaluated at Mayo Clinic Laboratories for test suitability.

Reference Values

Not applicable

Day(s) Performed

Monday through Friday

CPT Code Information

87798

LOINC Code Information

Test ID Test Order Name Order LOINC Value
CBBRP Coxiella burnetii (Q fever) PCR, B 90443-3

 

Result ID Test Result Name Result LOINC Value
35191 Specimen Source 31208-2
35192 Coxiella burnetii PCR 90443-3

Clinical Information

Coxiella burnetii, the causative agent of Q fever, is a small obligate intracellular bacterium that is distributed ubiquitously in the environment. Acquired through aerosol exposure, it generally causes mild respiratory disease. A small number of these acute cases will advance to a chronic condition, which typically manifests as endocarditis. If left untreated, cases of Q fever endocarditis are fatal.

 

Current diagnostic methods of Q fever endocarditis include serologic studies and histopathologic examination of excised cardiac tissue. These current methods are subjective and nonspecific, limiting usefulness in patient diagnostics.

 

Evaluation of infected tissue, blood, or serum using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) has been shown to be an effective tool for diagnosing C burnetii infection. Mayo Clinic Laboratories has developed a real-time PCR test that permits rapid identification of C burnetii. The assay targets a unique sequence of the shikimate dehydrogenase gene (aroE) present in C burnetii.

 

The assay targets a unique sequence of the shikimate dehydrogenase gene (aroE) present in C burnetii.

Specimen Retention Time

1 week

Test Classification

This test was developed and its performance characteristics determined by Mayo Clinic in a manner consistent with CLIA requirements. It has not been cleared or approved by the US Food and Drug Administration.

Report Available

Same day/1 to 4 days

Forms

If not ordering electronically, complete, print, and send a Microbiology Test Request (T244) with the specimen.