Test Overview
Test Methodology

Indirect Fluorescent Antibody (IFA)

Test Usage

Antigen specific IgG and IgM titers allow rapid diagnosis of infection by one or more of the typhus fever group of rickettsial agents. This group includes Rickettsia typhi (endemic or maurine typhus) R. prowazeki (epidemic typhus), and Brill-Zinsswe disease caused by reactivation of latent R. prowazeki.

Reference Range *

Screen: Not detected. Titer: < 1:64.

* Reference ranges may change over time. Please refer to the original patient report when evaluating results.

Test Limitations

Even after infection has been treated, positive results may persist. False-positive reactions may occur during pregnancy.

Test Details
Days Set Up
Monday - Friday
Analytic Time

1 - 5 days

Soft Order Code
SLM
Synonyms
  • Febile Agglutinins
  • Murine Typhus
  • Weil-Felix Agglutinins
  • Rickettsia typhi
  • Typhus Fever Group Antibody
Laboratory
Sendout
Reference Laboratory
Quest Valencia 37503
Section
Special Testing
Specimen Requirements
Collection Instructions

Collect blood in a red top or SST tube. Centrifuge, aliquot serum into plastic vial and refrigerate. EDTA (lavender top), heparinized (green top) or ACD (yellow top) plasma is also acceptable.

Yellow Top Tube
Normal Volume
1 mL serum
Minimum Volume
0.5 mL serum
Additional Information

If IgG or IgM antibodies are detected the appropriate titer will be performed at an additional charge. By ordering this test the clinician acknowledges that additional reflex testing will be performed and billed at a separate additional charge if indicated. Test sent to Quest Diagnostics Nichols Institute of Valencia.

Billing
CPT Code
86757 x2
Reflex CPT
86757 per titer
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