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HelpTest ID: CBBRP Coxiella burnetii (Q fever), Molecular Detection, PCR, Blood
Reporting Name
Coxiella burnetii (Q fever) PCR, BUseful For
Aiding in the diagnosis of Coxiella burnetii infection (eg, Q fever)
Specimen Type
Whole Blood EDTAOrdering Guidance
Specimen Required
The high sensitivity of amplification by polymerase chain reaction requires the specimen to be processed in an environment in which contamination of the specimen by Coxiella burnetii DNA is unlikely.
Container/Tube:
Preferred: Lavender top (EDTA)
Acceptable: Royal blue top (EDTA), pink top (EDTA), or sterile vial containing EDTA-derived aliquot
Specimen Volume: 1 mL
Collection Instructions: Send whole blood specimen in original tube (preferred).
Specimen Minimum Volume
0.5 mL
Specimen Stability Information
| Specimen Type | Temperature | Time | Special Container |
|---|---|---|---|
| Whole Blood EDTA | Refrigerated (preferred) | 7 days | |
| Frozen | 7 days |
Reference Values
Not applicable
Day(s) Performed
Monday through Friday
Test Classification
This test was developed and its performance characteristics determined by Mayo Clinic in a manner consistent with CLIA requirements. It has not been cleared or approved by the US Food and Drug Administration.CPT Code Information
87798
LOINC Code Information
| Test ID | Test Order Name | Order LOINC Value |
|---|---|---|
| CBBRP | Coxiella burnetii (Q fever) PCR, B | 90443-3 |
| Result ID | Test Result Name | Result LOINC Value |
|---|---|---|
| 35191 | Specimen Source | 31208-2 |
| 35192 | Coxiella burnetii PCR | 90443-3 |
Clinical Information
Coxiella burnetii, the causative agent of Q fever, is a small obligate intracellular bacterium that is distributed ubiquitously in the environment. Acquired through aerosol exposure, it generally causes mild respiratory disease. A small number of these acute cases will advance to a chronic condition, which typically manifests as endocarditis. If left untreated, cases of Q fever endocarditis are fatal.
Current diagnostic methods of Q fever endocarditis include serologic studies and histopathologic examination of excised cardiac tissue. These current methods are subjective and nonspecific, limiting usefulness in patient diagnostics.
Evaluation of infected tissue, blood, or serum using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) has been shown to be an effective tool for diagnosing C burnetii infection. Mayo Clinic Laboratories has developed a real-time PCR test that permits rapid identification of C burnetii. The assay targets a unique sequence of the shikimate dehydrogenase gene (aroE) present in C burnetii.
The assay targets a unique sequence of the shikimate dehydrogenase gene (aroE) present in C burnetii.
Interpretation
A positive result indicates the presence of Coxiella burnetii DNA.
A negative result indicates the absence of detectable C burnetii DNA but does not negate the presence of the organism and may occur due to inhibition of PCR, sequence variability underlying primers or probes, or the presence of C burnetii DNA in quantities less than the limit of detection of the assay.
Clinical Reference
1. Frangoulidis D, Meyer H, Kahlhofer C, Splettstoesser WD: 'Real-time' PCR-based detection of Coxiella burnetii using conventional techniques. FEMS Immunol Med Microbiol 2012 Feb;64(1):134-136.
2. Liesman RM, Pritt BS, Maleszewski JJ, Patel R. Laboratory diagnosis of infective endocarditis. J Clin Microbiol. 2017 Sep;55(9):2599-2608. doi: 10.1128/jcm.00635-17.
3. Kersh GJ, Bleeker-Rovers CP: Coxiella: Evaluation, interpretation, and reporting results. In: Carroll K, Pfaller M, eds. Manual of Clinical Microbiology. 12th ed. ASM Press; 2019:1185-1186.
4. Anderson A, Bijlmer H, Fournier PE, et al: Diagnosis and management of Q fever-United States, 2013: recommendations from CDC and the Q Fever Working Group. MMWR Recomm Rep 2013;62(RR-03):1-30.
Report Available
Same day/1 to 4 daysMethod Name
Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR)
Forms
If not ordering electronically, complete, print, and send a Microbiology Test Request (T244) with the specimen.