• Serum: 1 mL
• Whole blood in serum separator tubes: 5 mL  
• Plasma: 1 mL

Work with your local public health department to ensure samples are packaged according to instructions for Biological Substance – Category B (UN 3373) shipment.

Ship specimens and a hard copy of the completed submittal forms to:    

CDPH VRDL

ATTN: Specimen Receiving

850 Marina Bay Parkway

Richmond, CA 94804

Phone: 510-307-8585

Negative result does not preclude the possibility of infection.

Cross reactivity with antibodies to other related bacteria can occur. This is particularly challenging as there may be similarities in antigens among different Rickettsia species or even unrelated bacteria.

Confirmatory testing such as PCR may be necessary for accurate diagnosis, especially in regions where different species coexist.