Test Code CBRP Coxiella burnetii (Q fever), Molecular Detection, PCR, Varies
Performing Laboratory

Specimen Type
VariesNecessary Information
Specimen source is required.
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.
Submit only 1 of the following specimens:
Specimen Type: Fresh tissue or biopsy
Sources: Lung, bone, liver, heart valve, aorta, or endocardium
Container/Tube: Sterile container
Specimen Volume: Entire collection or 5 mm(3) - approximately the size of a pencil eraser
Collection Instructions:
1. Collect fresh tissue specimen.
2. Submit tissue only, do not add fluid to tissue
3. Refrigerate or freeze specimen.
Specimen Stability Information: Refrigerated (preferred) <7 days/ Frozen <7 days
Preferred Paraffin-embedded tissue block:
Specimen Type: Formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tissue block (FFPE)
Sources: Lung, bone, liver, heart valve, aorta, or endocardium
Supplies: Tissue Block Container (T553)
Container/Tube: Tissue block
Collection Instructions: Submit a formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tissue block to be cut and returned.
Specimen Stability Information: Ambient (preferred)/Refrigerated
Acceptable Paraffin-embedded tissue block:
Specimen Type: Formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tissue block (FFPE)
Sources: Lung, bone, liver, heart valve, aorta, or endocardium
Container/Tube: Sterile container for each individual cut section (scroll).
Collection Instructions: Perform microtomy and prepare 5 separate 10-micron sections. Each section (scroll) must be placed in a separate sterile container for submission.
Specimen Stability Information: Ambient (preferred)/Refrigerated
Specimen Minimum Volume
Fresh tissue or biopsy: 5 mm(3)
Paraffin-embedded tissue block: two 10-micron sections
Specimen Stability Information
Specimen Type | Temperature | Time |
---|---|---|
Varies | Varies |
Reference Values
Not applicable
Day(s) Performed
Monday through Friday
CPT Code Information
87798
Clinical Information
Coxiella burnetii, the causative agent of Q fever, is a small obligate intracellular bacterium associated with animals. Acquired through aerosol exposure, it generally causes mild respiratory disease. A small number of acute cases advance to a chronic infection, which typically manifests as endocarditis. Left untreated, Q fever endocarditis may be fatal. Serologic and histopathologic studies may be nonspecific and subjective, respectively, limiting usefulness for patient diagnosis.
Evaluation of infected tissue, blood, or serum using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) may be a useful tool for diagnosing some cases of C burnetii infection. Mayo Clinic Laboratories has developed a real-time PCR test that rapidly detects C burnetii DNA in clinical specimens by targeting a sequence of the shikimate dehydrogenase gene (aroE) unique to C burnetii.
Report Available
2 to 7 daysReject Due To
Tissue in formalin formaldehyde, or acetone Bone marrow Decalcified bone Unstained slides |
Reject |
Method Name
Forms
If not ordering electronically, complete, print, and send a Microbiology Test Request (T244) with the specimen.
Testing Algorithm
For more information see Infective Endocarditis: Diagnostic Testing for Identification of Microbiological Etiology