| Method |
Real Time Polymerase Chain Reaction (q-PCR) Amplification of Coxiella burnetti (Q Fever) DNA. |
| CPT Code |
|
| Preferred Specimen |
- EDTA (purple top) whole blood collected in acute phase before administration of antibiotics.
- Environmental swabs (Dacron® polyester)
|
| Specimen Container |
- Clinical – Purple Top EDTA tube (5-7mls)
- Environmental - Screw Top Polypropylene tube
|
| Specimen Identification |
Label specimen with patient’s first and last name, DOB and date/time of collection. |
| Special Instructions |
Alert NSHL staff (Microbiology or Emergency Response) when sending specimen for testing. |
| Shipping Requirements |
Store and ship refrigerated (2–8 °C) temperature. DO NOT freeze |
| Sample Rejection Criteria |
- Inappropriate specimen transport
- Mislabeled / Unlabeled specimen
|
| Turn-around-time |
|