Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever Antibodies Test
Short Name: RMSF Antibodies Test
Also known as: RMSF Antibodies Test, Rickettsia rickettsii Antibodies Test, Spotted Fever Group Antibodies Test
Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever Antibodies Test test available at DNA Labs India for ₹13,000. Uses Immunofluorescence Assay (IFA) on Serum samples. Results in Reports are typically available 2-3 weeks after the sample is received.. Free home collection in 300+ cities across India.
🩺 Medically Reviewed By
Dr Kothari Ramesh Shantilal
Consultant Microbiologist · Reg: 27670
Last reviewed: September 7, 2026
Overview
The purpose of the RMSF antibodies test is to aid in the diagnosis of Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever and other spotted fever group rickettsial infections by detecting IgG and IgM antibodies in the blood.
- Test Code
- 3610
- ICD Code
- A77.0
- Price
- ₹13,000
- Sample Type
- Serum
- Result Time
- Reports are typically available 2-3 weeks after the sample is received.
- Fasting Required
- No
- Method
- Immunofluorescence Assay (IFA)
Sample Collection
No special preparation, including fasting, is required for this test. However, a duly filled Test Send Out Consent Form (Form 35) is mandatory. Please carry a valid ID and your prescription if provided.
Method: Venipuncture
Laboratory Analysis
A blood sample (2 mL) will be collected from a vein in your arm using a sterile needle. The procedure typically takes under five minutes. You may experience slight discomfort but no significant pain.
Report Delivery
You can resume your normal activities immediately. Keep pressure on the puncture site for a minute to prevent bruising. If you experience prolonged bleeding or swelling, contact your healthcare provider.
Timeline: Reports are typically available 2-3 weeks after the sample is received.
Patient Instructions
About This Test
Who Should Get This Test
The purpose of the RMSF antibodies test is to aid in the diagnosis of Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever and other spotted fever group rickettsial infections by detecting IgG and IgM antibodies in the blood.
How to Prepare
- Please ensure the Test Send Out Consent Form (Form 35) is fully completed before sample collection.
- Home sample collection is available for online bookings.
- If coming to the lab, maintain the sample at room temperature and deliver it to the lab within 8 hours.
Doctor's Notes
Reviewed by Dr Kothari Ramesh Shantilal — MBBS, MD (Microbiology) · Reg. No. 27670
"Antibody testing for Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever is most useful when paired samples show a rising titer. A single low titer should never exclude RMSF if clinical suspicion is high. I advise physicians to start empiric doxycycline without waiting for serological confirmation in suspected cases."
Last medically reviewed: September 7, 2026
Test Parameters & Specifications
Sample Stability
- Improperly labeled or unlabeled sample
- Hemolyzed, lipemic, or icteric sample
- Missing or incomplete Test Send Out Consent Form (Form 35)
- Sample not stored under recommended conditions
Understanding Your Results
IgM Positive, IgG Positive
Suggests acute or recent infection with R. rickettsii.
IgM Positive, IgG Negative
May indicate early primary infection; repeat testing after 2-4 weeks is recommended.
IgM Negative, IgG Positive
Indicates past infection or infection at least several weeks old, or vaccination if applicable.
IgM Negative, IgG Negative
No detectable antibodies; infection is unlikely, but if symptoms persist, repeat testing may be needed as antibodies may not yet be present.
If you develop fever, headache, and rash within two weeks of a tick bite or potential tick exposure, seek medical care immediately. Early treatment with appropriate antibiotics can be life-saving.
Limitations
- ⚠A negative result in the first 10 days of illness does not exclude RMSF
- ⚠Seroconversion may take up to 4 weeks
- ⚠The test cannot reliably distinguish between recent and past infection if only a single sample is tested
- ⚠Cross-reactivity with other rickettsial infections (e.g., R. akari) may occur
- ⚠Treatment with antibiotics early in the disease may affect antibody response
Risks & Considerations
- ●Slight pain or bruising at the needle insertion site
- ●Slight dizziness or fainting during or after blood collection
- ●In rare cases, infection at the puncture site
Interfering Factors
- ●Immunosuppressive therapy or immunodeficient states may suppress antibody response
- ●Previous infection with other spotted fever group rickettsiae may cause cross-reactivity
- ●Recent blood transfusion could dilute antibody levels or introduce foreign antibodies
- ●Hemolyzed or lipemic samples may interfere with immunofluorescence
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever?
What does the RMSF Antibodies Test detect?
What is the cost of the RMSF Antibodies Test at DNA Labs India?
How is the test performed?
Do I need to fast for the test?
How long does it take to get results?
Is home sample collection available?
What is the significance of the consent form?
What does a positive IgM result indicate?
What does a positive IgG result indicate?
Can RMSF be treated?
Where is the test available?
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