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Test Code
RTAB
Test Name
Typhus Fever Antibodies
CPT Codes
86757 X 2
Included Tests
  • Typhus IgM Antibodies
  • Typhus IgG Antibodies
Expected Turnaround Time
1 - 4 days
Clinical Utility

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 murine typhus) R. prowazeki (epidemic typhus), and Brill-Zinsser disease caused by reactivation of latent R. prowazeki.
Specimen and Container Info

Specimen Type: Serum

Preferred Collection Container: Red Top, Plain

Collection Container: Gold Top, Serum Separator

Desired Specimen Volume: 1 mL
Collection Instructions
  1. Collect a red top, plain tube via venipuncture.
Processing and Submission Instructions
  1. Separate serum from cells.
  2. Transfer 1 mL of serum to a clear aliquot tube (screw cap).
Transport Instructions

Transport to the laboratory refrigerated. 
Stability Requirements

Room Temperature

7 days

Refrigerated

14 days

Frozen

30 day
Causes for Rejection
  • Gross hemolysis
  • Grossly lipemic
Methodology
Immunofluorescence Assay
Reference Intervals

 See patient report.
Alternate Names
  • Rickettsia (Typhus Fever) Antibodies (IgG, IgM) with Reflex to Titers
  • Febrile Agglutinins
  • Weil-Felix
  • Endemic Typhus
Reference Lab
Quest Diagnostics Nichols Institute
Testing Schedule
Routine, 5 times per week
Reflex Tests
RIGGT, RIGMT
What triggers the reflex testing
If the R. typhi IgG screen is detected, then the R. typhi IgG Titer will be performed at an additional charge. If the R. typhi IgM screen is detected, then the R. typhi IgM Titer will be performed at an additional charge.
The American Medical Association (AMA) Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) codes published by HNL Lab Medicine are guidelines and are intended for informational purposes only. CPT coding is the exclusive responsibility of the billing entity. View the Terms.
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