Leptospiral PCR

Microbiology

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Specimen

Plasma EDTA blood – 1st week of illness

Plasma EDTA blood  + urine – 2nd week of illness

Specimen container

EDTA (pink top) 6ml

Sterile universal (white top)

To Request On EPIC

For electronic requesting using EPIC (RDUH ONLY):

Search for: ‘Leptospira screen‘ or test code ‘LAB9324‘

Special Instructions

The microscopic agglutination test (MAT) is the gold standard for detection of agglutinating antibodies that may be present from 5 days after disease onset. It is necessary to test 2 samples taken 7 days apart. If the patient presents in the first week of the disease, in addition to serum, send EDTA blood for Leptospirosis PCR.

Test Usage

Diagnosis of Leptospirosis.

• Please state patient’s occupation or relevant leisure activities
• Please give details of relevant symptoms
• Please state date of onset of symptoms

Availability

Sent to Reference Laboratory

Processing Time

7 days

Reference

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/leptospira-reference-unit-services

Specimen Labelling Procedure