Rickettsia (Please notify laboratory if suspected)

Alternative Names/Synonyms	Serologic detection of Rickettsia antibodies (Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever and Murine typhus)
Laboratory	Microbiology
Sub-section	Serology
Specimen Type	○ Whole blood ○ Serum

Other Information

○ Acute and convalescent sera are recommended for laboratory diagnosis

Specimen Requirements (Tube Type)

○ Serum separator tube (min volume 5 mL)

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

○ 10 days

Laboratory Contact Information

416-586-4800 extension 4622

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 Laboratory at refrigeration temperature (2-8˚C) immediately after collection.

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