Test Entry - Detail


Rickettsia Serology


General
  Clinical Use: Diagnostic testing for rickettsial infections. All specimens are tested with indirect fluorescent antibody tests (IFA) for antibodies to Rickettsia typhi, Rickettsia conorii, and Orientia tsutsugamushi, and results are reported as a titre. Due to a high level of serological cross-reactivity, the R. typhi assay will cross-react with other typhus group Rickettsia and the R. conorii assay will cross-react with other spotted fever group Rickettsia (e.g. R. australis, R. honei). Titres may be low early in infection; acute and convalescent sera may be required to confirm recent infection by demonstrating a significant increase in IFA titre. Rickettsia PCR testing on whole blood (EDTA) is available at PathWest and may be useful for diagnosis of early infection.
  Availability: Samples are batched and tested four times a week.
  Aliases/Synonyms: Murine typhus Serology,   Orientia tsutsugamushi Serology,   Queensland Tick typhus Serology,   Scrub typhus Serology,   Spotted Fever Serology ,   Tick-Bite Fever Serology,   Typhus Serology,  
  Code: SERIK
  Handling Instructions (to laboratory): Send sample chilled.
  Hyperlink:
  Reference Interval:
Refer to report or laboratory


Collection Requirements
  Container: Serum Sep. Tube-SST (GOLD),  
  Sample Type: See container
  Minimum Collection Volume: 2mL
  Collection Instructions:


Processing Requirements
  Alternate Containers:
Serum, no gel (RED)
  Processing Instructions:
  Minimum Assay Volume: 200uL
  Stability:
  Transport Instructions (to testing laboratory): Send sample chilled.


Testing Locations
  Performed at:
Section Department Site Contact Phone
Serology Microbiology QEII Medical Centre 6383 4427


Last Updated : 07-10-2025 12:04