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Test ID: QFP    
Q Fever Antibody, IgG and IgM, Serum

Method Description Describes how the test is performed and provides a method-specific reference

An indirect immunofluorescence test is used for the measurement of IgM and/or IgG antibodies to Coxiella burnetii. Specific antibodies present in the serum of the patient react with rickettsial cells that have been previously fixed on a glass microscope slide. Fluorescein-labeled antihuman IgG or IgM conjugate is used to stain specific antibody bound to the substrate cells. The slides are examined with a fluorescence microscope for characteristic, apple-green fluorescence of the infected cell. (Edligner B: Immunofluorescence serology: a tool for prognosis of Q fever Diagn Microbiol Infect Dis 1985;3:343-351; Package inserts: Q fever IFA IgG Focus Diagnostics, Inc., Cypress, CA; Q fever IFA IgM, Focus Diagnostics, Inc., Cypress, CA)

Day(s) and Time(s) Test Performed Outlines the days and times the test is performed. This field reflects the day and time the sample must be in the testing laboratory to begin the testing process and includes any specimen preparation and processing time required before the test is performed. Some tests are listed as continuously performed, which means assays are performed several times during the day.

Monday through Friday; 9 a.m.

Analytic Time Defines the amount of time it takes the laboratory to setup and perform the test. This is defined in number of days. The shortest interval of time expressed is "same day/1 day," which means the results may be available the same day that the sample is received in the testing laboratory. One day means results are available 1 day after the sample is received in the laboratory.

Same day/1 day

Maximum Laboratory Time Defines the maximum time from specimen receipt at Mayo Medical Laboratories until the release of the test result

3 days

Specimen Retention Time Outlines the length of time after testing that a specimen is kept in the laboratory before it is discarded

14 days

Performing Laboratory Location The location of the laboratory that performs the test

Rochester