Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever PCR

Test Name Rickettsiae-Typhus PCR
Alternate Name(s) Rocky Mountain Spotted fever  PCR  (Spotted Fever group - SFG)
Laboratory Module MICRO
Ordering Mnemonic PCR RICK
Specimen Type

EDTA Whole Blood, Tissue, Skin swab (under eschar)

Collection Container

Blood -EDTA (lavender)

Tissue and Swab - Clean container

Container Information  
Collection Information  
Test Schedule  
Routine Turnaround Time

Rickettsia PCR is forwarded to the National Microbiology Laboratory (NML) in Winnipeg.

Turnaround time for PCR is up to 21 calendar days from receipt at PHO’s laboratory.

Stat Turnaround Time  
Reference Interval  
Critical Values  
Lab Process Notes  

The etiological agent of SFG rickettsioses include many rickettsiae species such 

Rickettsia rickettsii (Rocky Mountain spotted fever), 

Rickettsia africae (African tick bite fever), 

Rickettsia akari (rickettsialpox), 

Rickettsia conorii (Mediterranean spotted fever), 

Rickettsia australis (Queensland tick typhus), 

Rickettsia felis (flea rickettsiosis), 

Rickettsia honei (Flinders Island spotted fever), 

Rickettsia philipii (Pacific coast tick fever), 

Rickettsia japonica (Japanese spotted fever), 

Rickettsia sibirica (Siberian tick typhus), and Rickettsia parkeri.

The etiological agent of TG rickettsioses includes 

Rickettsia typhi (murine typhus)

and Rickettsia prowazekii (epidemic louse-borne typhus).

Storage and Transport Store and transport refrigerated.
Test Referred To Offsite, Reference Lab

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