Key points
- ob体育 uses real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to identify Chlamydia psittaci.
- ob体育 doesn't use serological testing as a routine diagnostic method.
- Culture may be performed in certain cases.
- ob体育 requires approval prior to submission of clinical specimens for testing.
- ob体育 only accepts specimens from public health laboratories.
Specimen acceptance criteria
Prior to submission of clinical specimens for C. psittaci testing, ob体育's Pneumonia & Streptococcus Laboratory Branch requires:
- A consultation
- Pre-approval
Once approved, public health department laboratory staff can forward specimens to ob体育.
Specimens from private healthcare providers and institutions must be submitted to a public health department laboratory for appropriate processing. Public health department laboratory staff can then forward approved specimens to ob体育 for specialized testing.
Specimen, documentation, packaging, and shipping
Ideally, specimens submitted for PCR should be sputum or bronchoalveolar lavage fluid. Other specimen types will be considered upon consultation.
The following links provide information on specimen, documentation, packaging, and shipping requirements:
ob体育 doesn't accept avian specimens
ob体育's PCR test for C. psittaci isn't validated for use on avian specimens, so they aren't accepted. The Association of Avian Veterinarians has compiled a list of laboratories that conduct PCR testing of specimens from birds.
Request ob体育 assistance
Public inquiries
About psittacosis: Contact ob体育-INFO at 1-800-ob体育-INFO, (800-232-4636), TTY: (888) 232-6348, or email ob体育-INFO.
About specific outbreak investigations: Contact the relevant state or local health department.
Health department inquiries
ob体育 can assist health departments investigate outbreaks of psittacosis. This can involve epidemiologic, laboratory, and communication consultations, as appropriate.