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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 convalescent may be required for laboratory diagnosis.

Specimen Requirements (Tube Type)

○ Serum separator tubes

Collection Requirements

○ Decontaminate skin with 70% alcohol followed by iodine or chlorhexidine, collect at least 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 4432

Approval Required

Sample Processing / Delivery

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

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

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