Tularemia (Francisella tularensis) Serology

Consistent with O. Reg. 671/92 of the French Language Services Act, laboratory testing information on this page is only available in English because it is scientific or technical in nature and is for use only by qualified health care providers and not by members of the public.

*Uncontrolled print copy. Valid only on day of print: 21 May 2025.

Specimen Collection and Handling

Limitations

Haemolysed, icteric, lipemic or microbially contaminated sera or plasma are not recommended for testing.

Storage and Transport

Centrifuge if using SST. Label specimens with at least two identifiers; place it in biohazard bag and seal. Specimens should be stored at 2-8°C following collection and shipped to PHOL on ice packs.

Special Instructions

An acute (collected early after the onset of symptoms) and a convalescent (collected 2-3 weeks later) may be required for laboratory diagnosis.

Test Frequency and Turnaround Time (TAT)

Tularemia Agglutination testing is performed once per week.
TAT is up to 10 days.

Reporting

Results are reported to the ordering physician or health care provider as indicated on the requisition.

Specimens that are positive for Tularemia are reported to the Medical Officer of Health as per Health Protection and Promotion Act.

Additional Information

More information can also be found in the document titled:LAB-SD-077, Coxiella burnettii, Brucella spp and Francisella tularensis.