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Note: Result turn around times are an estimate and are not guaranteed. Our reference lab may need additional time due to weather, holidays, confirmation/repeat testing, or equipment maintenance.
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Test Code: 6419
Specimen Type: Blood
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Description:
This test looks for IgM and IgG antibodies to Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever. If either antibody is detected, a quantitative titer test will be performed at no additional cost. Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever (RMSF) is a bacterial disease that is spread through tick bites. There are several common tick species that can carry this disease. RMSF was first seen in the Rocky Mountains area but is also prevalent in the southeastern US as well as parts of Canada, Mexico, Central America, and South America. Most people infected with RMSF will have symptoms that include fever, headache, nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, muscle pain, and lack of appetite. The signature symptom of RMSF is a rash that develops in most people who are infected, often around the wrists and ankles. The rash typically takes the form of small red dots or red splotches and can spread up or down the body. Because most of the symptoms of RMSF are common to other conditions and the rash may not develop early in the illness, a diagnosis based just on symptoms can be difficult. Blood testing for RMSF antibodies is recommended. Early diagnosis and treatment are key to a successful recovery. If left untreated, Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever can lead to nerve damage, paralysis, hearing loss, mental disability, and death.
Testing for RMSF is recommended for anyone who develops symptoms after being bitten by a tick or spending time outdoors in areas where ticks are prevalent. RMSF Antibody testing can sometimes show false positives due to cross-reactivity with other illnesses including Lyme Disease. In some cases, repeat testing 1-2 weeks apart may be necessary to see if there is a significant rise in antibody levels. A test that includes both IgM and IgG antibodies is usually recommended because it provides a more thorough screening but results should always be interpreted along with symptoms and other relevant medical information. For those who require it, individual tests for IgM Antibodies and IgG Antibodies are also available.
Turnaround for this test is typically 3-9 business days.
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Note: Result turn around times are an estimate and are not guaranteed. Our reference lab may need additional time due to weather, holidays, confirmation/repeat testing, or equipment maintenance.
Detection Period:
IgM antibodies to RMSF are typically detectable within 1-2 weeks of infection. They will typically no longer be detectable after a few months.
IgG antibodies to RMSF are typically detectable within 2-4 weeks of infection and peak at around 1-2 months. Even after successful treatment, IgG antibodies can remain detectable for over a year.
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