Typing of Clostridium perfringens isolates (A, B, C, D, or E) by identifying toxin genes (alpha, cpa; beta, cpb, epsilon, etx; iota, ia) as well as genes for beta 2 toxin (cpb2) and enterotoxin (cpe) by real time PCR.
Detection of antibodies to Coxiella burnetii Phases I and II, the causative agent of Q fever, in serum via indirect fluorescent antibody; tested at 1:64, 1:128, 1:256, 1:512, 1:1024, and 1:2048 dilutions.
Cytologic evaluation of bone marrow aspirates and microscopic evaluation by a clinical pathologist.
Specimen
All of the following: bone marrow in EDTA, 1 mL peripheral blood in EDTA, air-dried slides. Submission of a fresh peripheral blood smear is also recommended.
Cytologic evaluation of body fluid samples. Includes gross examination, total protein concentration, cell counts (where indicated and with EDTA and non-flocculent samples), preparation of direct, concentrated and cytocentrifuge slides (where indicated), and microscopic evaluation by a clinical pathologist.