Testing Laboratory
Auckland Te Toka Tumai | Auckland HospitalDepartment
Virology
Delphic Registration Code (Alpha Code)
RIKP
Test Code (Numeric Code)
2597
Laboratory Handling
Phlebotomy
A dedicated blood tube is required for Rickettsia PCR and must not be shared with other test requests.
Registration
Samples should be sent to the Microbiology Department for registration, Monday to Sunday
Separating
Unspun EDTA whole blood tube.
Sample Stability
EDTA whole blood: Stable at room temperature for up to 24 hours and at 2–8°C for up to 7 days
Synonyms
Rickettsia PCR
Rickettsial PCR
Rickettsia rickettsii PCR
Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever
Turnaround Time
4 days
Specimen Type
- Whole Blood
Specimen Requirements
Tube/Container Type:
Preferred
- EDTA (Lavender Cap)
Preferred Sample Volume (ml)
2
Minimum Sample Volume (ml)
1
Paediatric Specimen Requirements
Tube/Container Type:
Preferred
- EDTA (Microtainer)
Acceptable
- EDTA (Microtainer)
Additional Specimen Information
Please contact Clinical Microbiologist via AK-MOL-INF-DIS@TeWhatuOra.govt.nz before sending non-routine specimens.
Last updated: 30/08/2026