Test Code LAB1264 Spotted Fever Group Antibody, IgG and IgM, Serum
Reporting Name
Spotted Fever Group Ab, IgG, IgM, SPerforming Laboratory

Specimen Type
SerumSpecimen Required
Supplies: Sarstedt Aliquot Tube, 5 mL (T914)
Collection Container/Tube:
Preferred: Serum gel
Acceptable: Red top
Submission Container/Tube: Plastic vial
Specimen Volume: 0.5 mL
Collection Instructions: Centrifuge and aliquot serum into a plastic vial.
Specimen Minimum Volume
0.2 mL
Specimen Stability Information
Specimen Type | Temperature | Time |
---|---|---|
Serum | Refrigerated (preferred) | 14 days |
Frozen | 14 days |
Reference Values
IgG: <1:64
IgM: <1:64
Reference values apply to all ages.
Day(s) Performed
Monday through Friday
Test Classification
This test has been cleared, approved, or is exempt by the US Food and Drug Administration and is used per manufacturer's instructions. Performance characteristics were verified by Mayo Clinic in a manner consistent with CLIA requirements.CPT Code Information
86757 x 2
LOINC Code Information
Test ID | Test Order Name | Order LOINC Value |
---|---|---|
SFGP | Spotted Fever Group Ab, IgG, IgM, S | 90260-1 |
Result ID | Test Result Name | Result LOINC Value |
---|---|---|
84342 | Spotted Fever Group Ab, IgG, S | In Process |
84346 | Spotted Fever Group Ab, IgM, S | In Process |
Testing Algorithm
For more information see Acute Tick-Borne Disease Testing Algorithm.
Special Instructions
Useful For
Aiding in the diagnosis of spotted fever group rickettsial infections
Cautions
Cross-reactivity within the spotted fever group precludes the speciation of the infecting rickettsia by this procedure. Sera reactive with Rickettsia rickettsii must be termed "spotted fever group-positive." Spotted fever and typhus fever intragroup cross-reactivity is weak: cross-reactive titers are typically at least 16-fold lower than group-specific titers.
Antibody is variably absent for 1 to 2 weeks after onset of symptoms and an initial negative titer should not be used to exclude the diagnosis of rickettsial disease. A second serum specimen should be collected 1 to 2 weeks later to establish the diagnosis in such patients.
IgM titers must be interpreted with caution, especially in the absence of IgG. Cases should be further evaluated clinically or serologically by testing acute and convalescent serum in parallel to demonstrate a 4-fold or greater change in IgG or IgM titer.
Diagnosis of recent infection based on a single elevated IgG titer is complicated by the slow decline of antibody titer from past infection in many individuals. Titers may remain elevated for longer than 12 months, especially where antibiotic treatment was delayed or prior immunization was involved.
Some patients may maintain a long-term IgM titer, with or without IgG. It is important to check the IgM titer 1 to 2 weeks following testing of an acute specimen.
Report Available
Same day/1 to 3 daysReject Due To
Gross hemolysis | Reject |
Gross lipemia | Reject |
NY State Approved
YesMethod Name
Immunofluorescence
Forms
If not ordering electronically, complete, print, and send Infectious Disease Serology Test Request (T916) with the specimen.