Coxiella (Q fever) - serology

Alternative Names/Synonyms	Detection of Coxiella burnettii (Q fever) antibodies
Laboratory	Microbiology
Sub-section	Serology
Specimen Type	○ Whole blood ○ Serum

Other Information

○ An acute and a convalescent may be required for laboratory diagnosis

Specimen Requirements (Tube Type)

○ Whole blood
○ Serum

Collection Requirements

○ Decontaminate skin with 70% alcohol followed by iodine or chlorhexidine, collect a minimum of 5 mL of blood.

Sample Stability

Refer to section Sample Processing / Delivery

Referral Laboratory

PHOL

Routine Turnaround Time

○ Up to 10 days from receipt by PHO laboratory

Laboratory Contact Information

416-586-4800 extension 4476

Approval Required

Sample Processing / Delivery

○ Label specimen container. Place specimens in biohazard bag and seal.

○ Specimens should be stored and transported to the UHN/SH Microbiology at refrigeration temperature (2-8˚C) after collection

○ The specimen will be referred to the Public Health Ontario Laboratory for testing