Chlamydophila psittaci – Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR)
Consistent with O. Reg. 671/92 of the French Language Services Act, laboratory testing information on this page is only available in English because it is scientific or technical in nature and is for use only by qualified health care providers and not by members of the public.
Specimen Requirements
| Test Requested | Required Requisition(s) | Specimen Type | Minimum Volume | Collection Kit |
Chlamydia / Chlamydophila psittaci
Chlamydia / Chlamydophila psittaci PCR
Psittacosis |
Nasopharyngeal/ throat swab Nasopharyngeal aspirate |
1.0 mL of fluid |
CHL(C) kit / Chlamydia trachomatis culture kit order # 390084 or a universal transport medium (UTM) for swabs |
|
Chlamydia / Chlamydophila psittaci
Chlamydia / Chlamydophila psittaci PCR
Psittacosis |
Bronchioalveolar lavage |
1.0 mL of fluid |
CHL(C) kit / Chlamydia trachomatis culture kit order # 390084 or a universal transport medium (UTM) for swabs or a sterile container for fluids. |
|
Chlamydia / Chlamydophila psittaci
Chlamydia / Chlamydophila psittaci PCR
Psittacosis |
Sputum and cerebrospinal fluid |
1.0 mL of fluid |
Sterile container |
Submission and Collection Notes
Unsuitable specimens: dry swabs and bird droppings are not acceptable for testing.
Sputum and cerebrospinal fluid are accepted but not optimal specimens.
Patient clinical history must be indicated on the requisition for testing to be performed at the NML – i.e. patient must be symptomatic and have had contact with an infected or exotic bird.
Storage and Transport
Label the specimen container with the patient’s full name, date of collection, and one other unique identifier such as the patient’s date of birth or Health Card Number. Failure to provide this information may result in rejection or testing delay.
Special Instructions
Specimens for PCR can be stored at 2-8°C or frozen.
Test Frequency and Turnaround Time (TAT)
Specimens submitted for Chlamydophila psittaci PCR are shipped every Thursday to the NML for testing.
Turnaround time is up to 28 days from receipt by PHO laboratory.
Chlamydophila psittaci PCR is a referred out test. Specimens will be shipped to the National Microbiology Laboratory (NML) in Winnipeg.
Refer to external resources – Chlamydophila psittaci Molecular detection by PCR.
Reporting
Results are reported to the ordering physician or health care provider as indicated on the requisition.
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