Rickettsia (Please notify laboratory if suspected)

Serologic detection of Rickettsia antibodies (Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever and Murine typhus)
Microbiology
Serology
○ Whole blood ○ Serum
Other Information
○ Acute and convalescent sera are recommended for laboratory diagnosis
○ Serum separator tube (min volume 5 mL)
○ Decontaminate skin with 70% alcohol followed by iodine or chlorhexidine, collect at least 5 mL of blood
Refer to section Sample Processing / Delivery
PHOL
○ 10 days
416-586-4800 extension 4622
NO
○ Label specimen container. Place specimens in biohazard bag and seal.

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

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